The Provincial Court of Samui is scheduled to announce its decision on the appeals in Daniel Sancho’s case on September 25, 2026, at 10:00 local time. Both the defense and prosecution have been summoned for the formal reading. Sancho, the Spanish citizen sentenced to life for killing Colombian Edwin Arrieta in Thailand, is awaiting a decision that could alter the course of a case that has drawn international attention.
Sancho’s murder conviction in southern Thailand drew intense attention in Spain and Colombia. The verdict, handed down on August 29, 2024, gave him a life sentence. Several EFE reports have described the severity of Thai courts’ response to violent crimes involving foreigners.
The Provincial Court of Samui has received the appeal verdict prepared by the Court of Appeal of Phuket, a basic procedural step before the public announcement.
The court’s decision will determine whether Sancho’s sentence stands or any part of the case is reviewed. Both sides have been told to attend the reading. EFE reports that the session will begin behind closed doors, with the verdict initially shared only with Sancho’s side.
EFE also reports that the session is scheduled for this Friday, with both parties expected to attend as the court delivers its ruling. A second hearing is set for October 7, 2026, when representatives for the victim’s side will be able to take part. The proceedings are being handled in stages, not in a single public hearing.
The details of the appeals and the arguments remain confidential. EFE notes that both sides can still appeal, including to the Supreme Court of Thailand. If the appeals do not change the outcome, the case will reach the stage of final judgment, affecting the timeline and prospects for any transfer of Sancho to the Spanish penal system. A changed verdict could lead to further procedural steps or a review of the sentence. Only after a final ruling can the defense seek Sancho’s transfer to Spain under existing agreements between the two countries.
Legal experts and the public are watching how the Samui tribunal handles the appeals. The decision will either confirm the original sentence or open the door to further legal steps, with implications for future cross-border criminal cases involving Spanish citizens abroad.
