Thai appeals court finalizes ruling on Daniel Sancho case

The Phuket Court of Appeals in Thailand has finalized its ruling on the appeals in the case of Daniel Sancho, the Spanish chef convicted of the premeditated murder of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta. The court confirmed on Monday that the sentence is ready and is being sent to the Court of First Instance, which will then schedule a public reading of the verdict Source: EFE via El Español. This marks a decisive step in a case that has drawn intense media attention since Arrieta's dismembered remains were found on the island of Phangan in August 2023 Source: Infobae.

The appeals

Both parties filed appeals with opposing goals. The Arrieta family, in December 2024, sought to elevate the sentence to the death penalty, citing the gravity of the crime Source: El Nacional. In contrast, Sancho's defense, in March 2025, requested a new trial and the admission of new witnesses, maintaining that Arrieta's death was accidental during a fight Source: ABC. The original trial court had sentenced Sancho to life imprisonment, reducing the death penalty due to his initial confession, which he later retracted Source: La Vanguardia.

What's next

The Court of Appeals' decision will determine whether the life sentence stands, is increased, or a retrial is ordered. Until the Samui Provincial Court receives the notification and sets a date for the public reading, Sancho's situation remains unchanged Source: Infobae. Both parties may still appeal to the Supreme Court, and only after a final ruling could Sancho's defense request his transfer to Spain under existing judicial agreements Source: El Español. Meanwhile, Sancho's lawyer, Carmen Balfagón, has highlighted restrictions on prison visits and calls, noting that visits last only about 20 minutes Source: La Vanguardia.