Daniel Sancho: What happens next in Thailand murder and dismemberment case?

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The Spaniard, accused of killing Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta, could serve a sentence in Spain under a 1987 agreement if he is not given the death penalty

 

by ÓSCAR LÓPEZ-FONSECA, Madrid

Madrid - Spanish chef Daniel Sancho, the son of actor Rodolfo Sancho, who has confessed to the murder and dismemberment of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta on the Thai island of Koh Pha-ngan, was remanded in custody Monday by order of the Koh Samui Provincial Court.

 

His possible cooperation in the investigation, the sentence that may be handed down if he is found guilty and the 1987 agreement signed between Madrid and Bangkok regarding “cooperation in the carrying out of criminal sentences” will decide the outcome of a complex and lengthy process Sancho’s defense hopes will conclude with his transfer to Spain to serve any possible sentence.

 

What punishment could Sancho face if convicted?

If the authorities consider it proven that the Spanish chef murdered the Colombian doctor, both the circumstances of the crime — in this case the dismemberment of the body and his attempt to conceal it in various locations on the island, and his cooperation with the investigation, to which several sources state he has confessed, in locating Arrieta’s remains — may serve to both aggravate or mitigate the sentence that could be imposed if he is found guilty. Under Thai law, murder and manslaughter carry three types of sentences, depending precisely on these circumstances. The most severe is the death sentence, although a life sentence or up to 20 years imprisonment are also possible.

 

If sentenced to death, what is the likelihood the punishment will be carried out?

 

While it is not uncommon for Thai courts to impose capital punishment, in most cases it is commuted to life imprisonment. According to sources familiar with the country’s judicial system, capital punishment is only applied in cases where the victims are members of the security forces or high-ranking government officials, and there are no known recent instances of a foreign national being executed. It is customary for King Maha Vajiralongkorn to take advantage of special dates, such as his birthday, to apply such pardons, as was the case in 2020 when another Spanish citizen, Artur Segarra, sentenced to death in 2017 for murdering and dismembering businessman David Bernat in Bangkok, had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment.

 

TOP: Daniel Sancho, wearing a cap and handcuffed, surrounded by Thai police officers after his arrest on the island of Koh Pha-ngan. REUTERS

 

Full story: https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-08-08/daniel-sancho-what-happens-next-in-thailand-murder-and-dismemberment-case.html

 

-- © Copyright EL PAIS 2023-08-09

 

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[bignok]

Women behind are giggling

[BangkokHank]

So the fix is in. Because his family is well connected, he's going to get to serve his sentence (in comfort) in Spain. I hope that option is available to me should I ever commit premeditated murder and dismember the body.

[than]

3 hours ago, BangkokHank said:

So the fix is in. Because his family is well connected, he's going to get to serve his sentence (in comfort) in Spain. I hope that option is available to me should I ever commit premeditated murder and dismember the body.

Sadly, this is what will happen, he will be sentenced to life imprisonment, he will serve 5 to 7 years in thailand, be extradited to Spain where he will serve 5 to 10 years in prison and then be released.

He will not be sentenced to death, Thailand does not want to draw attention to itself about the death penalty. In addition, the risk of sanctions from the EU is significant.

[klauskunkel]

What happens next? Some policemen, prosecutors and a judge will have more money. That's what happens next, no need to ask.

[CharlieKo]

6 hours ago, bignok said:

Women behind are giggling

I think you need glasses!

[neeray]

He will have lots of "like-minded" companionship in prison. Hopefully, they'll keep him well away from any kitchen duties.