A Swiss elephant sanctuary boss has apologised for kicking a Thai woman who was sitting on his garden steps.

European ex-pat Urs Beat Fehr, 45, confronted doctor Tharndao Jandam, 26, and her friend, who were sitting on the steps leading to a public beach as they watched the full moon near Yamu Cape in Phuket on February 24.

The hulking man filmed the encounter as he stomped over to tell the two ladies to 'get the f**k off here' before appearing to kick one of them. His Thai wife also arrived and reportedly hurled expletives at the two, threatening that she knew high-ranking police officers.

Speaking today, Urs made a grovelling apology He said: 'I'm so sorry... I support you Thais all the time with what I can. I'm really sorry about what has happened.'

Police were notified of the row and tried to mediate between the two parties. However, they were unable to settle.

Tharndao has now complained to the police over the alleged assault and was asked to submit a medical report for evidence.

Speaking to local media, she said: 'He is a foreigner who lives in Thailand, earns his living with Thais, and works in Thailand.

'Even if he helps elephants, does that mean he can harm a woman? We should not discriminate against anyone as ‘just a local', no matter how rich he is. We should respect each other more. We should live together with respect instead of discriminating against each other.'

She added that she was stressed as the couple were wealthy and allegedly claimed they had connections in the police force that could 'guarantee them immunity'.

As footage of the alleged attack spread online, the Swiss man claimed he simply stumbled on the steps and never intended to hurt anyone.

He said: 'I'm sorry for that. It was never my intention to kick her in the back. I stumbled. I was angry that they were trespassing on my property but I never wanted to kick them. I'm sorry for that.'

Meanwhile, Tharndao said she would continue to pursue the case 'to the fullest extent' as her back still ached after the 100kg man allegedly stomped on her. She also thanked everyone who expressed their support

Police Colonel Pasakorn Sontikul, deputy commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, said: 'We will issue a summons if we find that he has committed an offence, initiating legal action accordingly.

'The severity of the charge will depend on the Thai woman's injuries based on the report she submitted.'

He added that police were handling the case without showing preferential treatment.

Local authorities have also formed a committee to 'investigate the behaviour of foreigners on Phuket', following a string of misbehaving backpackers on the holiday island.

The committee will have the power to revoke visas of tourists involved in inappropriate behavior.

Urs Fehr is the owner of Green Elephant Sanctuary Park near Surin Beach in Phuket. The sanctuary aims to give abused elephants a second chance at life without violence.