Seniors beaten over house debate in Hua Hin ended up being fined
PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 20: 20
A British couple whose Thailand retirement desire turned into a problem are back home and say they” don’t be happier” as they prepare to rebuild their lives.
” I wish we’d never gone to Thailand but we didn’t turn the clock back and Des and I are going to have a great pension up”, Mary Byrne, 69, told the BBC.
She and her father Des, 77, were badly beaten by two mates after a home debate in Hua Hin, where they had purchased a palace. They said they acted in self-defence but feared they would remain jailed when Thai officials said they and their assailants may all experience costs.  ,
The incident took place in December 2023 but the costs were never laid until June last year. The child’s documents were seized and they endured a months-long wait to learn of their death.
Last month the pair suddenly appeared in court, where they were fined and had their documents returned to them.
They have now abandoned their plans to retire in Thailand and are instead looking at properties in Middlesbrough.
” Being up in Middlesbrough and seeing the wonderful land, it’s totally wonderful”, Mrs Byrne told the BBC. ” We couldn’t be happier”.
Since getting back to England the pair have stayed with a home in Berkshire but prepare to sit up on their local Teesside once they find a house.
Mrs Byrne said:” We are recovering and coming home has made it so much easier. We’re elated, the thoughts are so great at being back at home”.