Overview
- Daniel Riva, a 43-year-old U.S. diplomat, was found dead at the Sakura Residence & Hotel on May 11 and authorities say he suffered stab wounds to the head and neck.
- His ex-wife, Pavinee Supasirivisan, was arrested and has appeared in Kamayut Township Court on an immigration-related charge that applies to foreigners who commit crimes in Myanmar.
- Myanmar court reporting says three prosecution witnesses testified and the defendant had two legal representatives, but journalists are barred from hearings and witnesses have been reluctant to speak.
- The U.S. State Department has confirmed Riva’s death but declined further comment to protect family privacy, and Thailand’s foreign ministry says it has offered consular assistance to the woman in custody.
- If formally charged with murder, the suspect faces at least a decade in prison or a possible death sentence under Myanmar law, and observers say limited court access will shape how quickly more facts emerge.