A Swiss expat was arrested after he allegedly attacked an elderly woman in the middle of a busy shopping mall.

Dieter Matthias Straumann, 61, allegedly assaulted Natchanan Khikkham, 58, inside the building in Trang, southern, Thailand, on March 5.

The grandmother suffered severe injuries, including a broken nose, swollen eyes, and swollen back. She was kept in hospital while she recovered from the ordeal.

The alleged victim's son Kritpong Khikkham, 25, said that his mother suffered from a nerve disorder after undergoing a recent dental procedure that resulted in the removal of the wrong teeth. Consequently, she required a walker to stand or walk while travelling.

Natchanan said she visited the mall's second floor, where she encountered Straumann. He allegedly squeezed past her, causing her to fall over.

Despite her plea for gentleness, Straumann allegedly became enraged, shouting before physically assaulting her. He is said to have punched her four times before walking away.

Natchanan said she retaliated by throwing a water bottle at him, prompting Straumann to lock her neck, punch her, and forcibly slam her head against the floor multiple times.

Natchanan said: 'I was scared when the man was attacking me. I was shaking and I didn't know what was happening. I threw water at him to try and make him stop, but it made him more angry.

'I'm scared of what will happen again if I go outside. I want the police to punish him because right now, he's a danger to myself and other people.'

Police said the incident was witnessed by several shopping mall visitors but the officers claimed they could not find any security footage from the building that captured the alleged attack.

After the incident, Straumann was taken to Mueang Trang Police Station with the cooperation of the local Tourist Police.

However, he refused to provide any answers to questions regarding the altercation.

Upon inspection, it was found that Straumann possessed a valid passport along with a retirement visa which had been extended on October 28, 2023, and is set to expire on November 14.

Police Colonel Sanit Ponpetch, superintendent of Mueang Trang Police Station, said: 'We received a report indicating that Straumann has been residing in Thailand for several years and is proficient in speaking Thai, even able to speak some words in the Southern dialect.

'We discovered that he resides in a house with his Thai wife, prompting us to dispatch officers.

'We were joined by the village council chairman and community leaders to visit his residence and engage with his wife to assist in negotiation.

'After arriving at the single-storey house, they found it securely locked with two locks, and lights were on inside. Despite calling out, the police received no response.

'A neighbour informed them that Straumann tended to keep to himself, while also exhibiting odd behaviours such as walking shirtless for several miles.

'Additionally, he was known to ride a chopper motorcycle and occasionally became enraged, physically assaulting his wife during arguments.

'On March 6 at 1 AM, the inquiry officer informed him of the charges of bodily harm and causing grievous bodily harm to the victim.

'He listened calmly but refused to sign the document acknowledging the charges. Consequently, the officer briefed him on his rights before planning to detain him at the court in the morning.

'Straumann admitted to having an argument with his wife, resulting in her departure. He also disclosed that he regularly takes medication but declined to specify its purpose.'