Thai Woman in Diplomat Death Case Gets Jail Term for Immigration Violation

A Thai woman suspected in the killing of her ex-husband, a U.S. diplomat, has been sentenced to one year in prison in Myanmar for violating the country's immigration laws. The verdict was delivered Tuesday by a court in Yangon's Kamayut township, according to a lawyer familiar with the case.

The court found Pavinee Supasirivisan guilty under a provision that applies to foreign nationals who commit crimes in Myanmar. The charge carries a sentence ranging from six months to five years. The lawyer spoke on condition of anonymity, citing concerns about repercussions from Myanmar's military-backed government, which tightly controls information.

The case stems from the discovery of a U.S. government employee found dead with stab wounds to the head and neck on May 11 at the Sakura Residence & Hotel, a facility popular with diplomats and international visitors located about 1.5 kilometers from the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death but has not released the victim's name, citing privacy reasons. Western media have identified him as 43-year-old Daniel Paul Riva, a State Department assistant regional security officer.

Police have opened a murder case under a provision carrying a penalty of 10 years to life in prison, or the death penalty. However, it remains unclear whether formal murder charges have been filed or if the investigation is ongoing, the lawyer said.

An official from the Kamayut township immigration department confirmed the sentence but declined further comment. Police, the Thai Embassy in Yangon, and the court all refused to discuss the case. Myanmar has been under military rule since 2021, when the armed forces seized power from the elected government, sparking widespread protests that have since escalated into civil conflict.