By A Thai woman accused in the death of her American ex-husband, a U.S. diplomat stationed in Myanmar, appeared in court this week as the case moves forward under the country’s military-controlled legal system.
Pavinee Supasirivisan faces murder charges tied to the May death of Daniel Riva, a 43-year-old U.S. diplomat who was fatally stabbed in the head and neck at the Sakura Residence and Hotel in Yangon, according to a report from The Daily Caller.
Before the murder case proceeds, Supasirivisan is first facing an immigration violation charge, which applies to foreigners accused of breaking the law while inside Myanmar. Her hearing took place Tuesday at Kamayut Township Court, where three prosecution witnesses, including immigration officers, testified.
The Sakura Residence and Hotel sits roughly a mile from the U.S. Embassy and is frequently used by diplomats and foreign business travelers.
A conviction on the immigration charge could carry a sentence of six months to five years in prison. Under Myanmar law, murder generally carries a sentence of 10 years to life. Courts may impose the death penalty in cases involving premeditation or severe cruelty.
Riva grew up in East Norwich, New York, and worked on international organized crime issues. His earlier assignments included Suriname, where he served as an assistant regional security officer and Diplomatic Security Service special agent, and East Timor before his posting in Yangon.
The State Department confirmed the death of an employee assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Yangon but did not release the person’s name.
Supasirivisan, a pastry chef, married Riva in June 2018. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has said it is providing consular assistance while she remains in custody. Journalists are not permitted to attend the proceedings.
The case is unfolding in Myanmar under a military regime that seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, triggering a civil war and widespread international condemnation.
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