Thai court upholds Daniel Sancho's life sentence, rejects appeal

On the morning of the decision, the Provincial Court of Samui ruled against the appeal filed by Daniel Sancho's counsel, Marcos García Montes, maintaining his life sentence for the murder of doctor Edwin Arrieta. The defense argued the incident resulted from a violent struggle without premeditation, citing forensic findings that suggested post-mortem injuries on the victim. The prosecution had asked for the capital punishment and a higher civil award, but its request will be considered at a later date.

García Montes highlighted procedural irregularities during the initial detention, including language barriers and questionable statements by officials, and pledged to take the case to Thailand's Supreme Court and, if necessary, the Constitutional Court and UN Human Rights Committee. He also noted that, under the treaty between Thailand and Spain, Sancho could be transferred after four years, provided the conviction becomes final. The family of Arrieta continues to seek a larger compensation amount.