BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai woman stood before a Myanmar court Tuesday as her trial moved forward on an immigration-related charge connected to accusations that she murdered her former husband, a U.S. diplomat, according to an attorney with knowledge of the case.
Pavinee Supasirivisan faces both an immigration code violation charge and a murder charge stemming from the diplomat’s death in May. However, she is currently being tried first on the immigration violation, which applies to any foreign national who commits a crime in Myanmar. The identity of the diplomat has not been made public.
During the hearing at Kamayut Township Court — the second session in her trial — three prosecution witnesses took the stand, including immigration officers. The attorney who provided this information spoke under the condition of anonymity, citing concerns about potential consequences from Myanmar’s military-controlled government.
The attorney noted that Pavinee had two legal representatives present in court, though further details were unavailable. It also remained unclear whether she had entered a formal plea. A conviction on the immigration charge could result in a sentence of anywhere between six months and five years behind bars.
An official from Kamayut township’s immigration and population department confirmed to The Associated Press that witnesses did testify at the proceeding but declined to elaborate. That official also spoke anonymously, as they were not authorized to speak with members of the press.
It remains unknown how long the current trial will take to conclude, or when proceedings on the murder charge will begin. A murder conviction in Myanmar carries a potential sentence ranging from 10 years in prison up to the death penalty.
Myanmar’s military took control of the country in 2021, overthrowing the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. That power grab triggered widespread protests that have since escalated into a full-scale civil war in the country, also known as Burma.
Authorities in Myanmar have largely refused to engage with the media on this case. Police, the prison where the suspect is believed to be held, and the court where she appeared have all declined to comment. Members of the press are barred from attending court proceedings.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has acknowledged providing consular assistance to the suspect but has not offered any additional details.
According to the attorney, the diplomat was discovered dead on May 11 at the Sakura Residence & Hotel, a property known to be frequented by diplomats, business travelers, and other international visitors. The hotel is situated approximately 1.5 kilometers — roughly one mile — from the U.S. Embassy. The victim had suffered stab wounds to the head and neck.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged the diplomat’s death but has declined to release further information, including the individual’s name.
