The trial of a well-known Spanish actor's son began on Tuesday on a popular Thai tourist island, where he is accused of murdering another foreigner.
29-year-old Chef Daniel Sancho Bronchalo pleaded not guilty in November to the murder of 44-year-old Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga on the nearby Koh Pha Ngan island.
The trial started on Tuesday on Koh Samui, with many Spanish journalists traveling to the island despite being restricted from the courtroom.
Sancho's father, the famous Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, arrived at court just after 8:30 am (0130 GMT).
He stated that his son is doing well and refused to answer any more questions.
Lawyer Juan Gonzalo Ospina Serrano, who represents Arrieta's family, expressed the hope that Thai law will serve justice and reveal the truth.
He said, “We hope the family can find closure in this painful chapter of their lives and begin the mourning process.”
Sancho has been in Thai pre-trial detention since August, following his admission to the murder.
Thai law stipulates the death penalty for premeditated murder. However, Arrieta's family stated they would not pursue this penalty.
Sancho admitted to concealing Arrieta's body, which could lead to a maximum jail term of one year. However, he denies the second charge of destroying the Colombian's passport.
Sancho's lawyer Apichart Srinual confirmed his client's appearance in court but declined to respond to reporters' inquiries.
The public prosecutor who filed the case against Sancho also refused to address the media at the court.
The trial is expected to continue until mid-May, with numerous witnesses scheduled to testify.
According to Spanish media reports, Sancho and Arrieta had connected on Instagram in 2022. Sancho traveled to Thailand on July 31 as a tourist and met the surgeon there.
Police discovered body parts believed to belong to Arrieta in early August at a trash dump in Koh Pha Ngan.
Local media obtained CCTV footage showing Sancho and the victim riding a motorcycle together shortly before the remains were found.
In August, the police stated that Sancho's motive for the killing was unclear.
Koh Pha Ngan is known for its scenic beaches and hosts popular “full moon” parties, attracting thousands of backpackers.
In 2017, another Spaniard, Artur Segarra, was convicted of murdering a businessman in Bangkok and disposing of dismembered body parts in the Chao Phraya River.
Agence France-Presse
