Thailand upholds life sentence for Daniel Sancho in Arrieta murder case

A Thai appeals court has upheld the life imprisonment sentence for Spanish national Daniel Sancho for the premeditated murder of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta. The decision, delivered by the Samui Provincial Court following a ruling from the Phuket Court of Appeal, rejects appeals from both the defense and the victim's family.

Sancho was originally convicted in August 2024 for the murder and subsequent dismemberment of Arrieta on the island of Koh Phangan in August 2023. The court found evidence of premeditation, noting the defendant's purchase of tools such as knives, a saw, and cleaning supplies prior to the incident. While the defense argued the death was an accidental result of a fight, the court maintained the conviction for premeditated murder, concealment of a corpse, and destruction of the victim's passport.

The victim's family had appealed for a harsher sentence, including the death penalty and increased compensation. Conversely, Sancho's legal team sought a retrial or new hearings to present different testimonies. Following the ruling, Sancho's defense indicated they may appeal to Thailand's Supreme Court, known as the 'Dika' court, to challenge alleged procedural errors.