A Thai woman accused of killing her former American diplomat husband has appeared before a court in Myanmar as legal proceedings officially get underway.
Pavinee Supasirivisan appeared before Kamayut Township Court on Tuesday, where prosecutors began presenting evidence in a case that has attracted international attention.
While she also faces a murder charge, the current proceedings relate to an alleged violation of Myanmar’s immigration laws, which apply to foreign nationals accused of committing crimes in the country.
Three prosecution witnesses, including immigration officials, testified during the hearing, according to an attorney familiar with the case.
Diplomat Was Found Dead in Yangon Hotel
The case stems from the death of Daniel Riva, a 43-year-old American diplomat, whose body was discovered on May 11 at the Sakura Residence & Hotel in Yangon.
Authorities said Riva suffered fatal stab wounds to his head and neck. The hotel, located roughly a mile from the U.S. Embassy, is widely used by diplomats, business travelers, and other international visitors.
Officials have not publicly released additional details about the investigation or the circumstances leading to his death.
Murder Charge Still Awaits Trial
Although Supasirivisan has been charged with murder, that case has not yet moved to trial.
Under Myanmar law, the immigration-related offense is being addressed first. If convicted, she could face between six months and five years in prison on that charge alone.
The separate murder allegation carries much more severe penalties, including a possible prison sentence of 10 years to life or even the death penalty under Myanmar’s legal system.
It remains unclear when the murder proceedings will begin.
Former Couple Shared International Backgrounds
Reports indicate that Riva and Supasirivisan married in 2018, although it has not been publicly established when their marriage ended.
Riva reportedly grew up in New York and specialized in combating organized crime during his diplomatic career.
Supasirivisan, originally from Bangkok, trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school before launching a cooking and baking YouTube channel and operating a home-based business.
Authorities Release Few Details
Myanmar’s military-led government has disclosed very little information about the investigation.
Court hearings remain closed to journalists, while police investigators, prison officials, and court representatives have declined to comment publicly on the case.
An official from the township’s immigration department confirmed that witnesses testified during Tuesday’s hearing but did not provide further information, citing restrictions on speaking with the media.
International Governments Monitor the Case
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to Supasirivisan but has not commented on the substance of the allegations or ongoing legal proceedings.
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged Riva’s death but has similarly declined to discuss details surrounding the investigation or identify him publicly.
With limited information emerging from Myanmar’s tightly controlled judicial system, many questions surrounding the case remain unanswered as legal proceedings continue.
Trial Continues Amid Myanmar’s Political Climate
The prosecution is unfolding against the backdrop of Myanmar’s ongoing political instability following the military takeover in 2021, which plunged the country into widespread unrest and armed conflict.
The military government tightly controls access to court proceedings and official information, making independent reporting on criminal cases particularly difficult.
For now, attention remains focused on the immigration proceedings, while the far more serious murder case against Supasirivisan is expected to follow at a later date.
