Police in the coastal city of Pattaya confirmed that the body of 17‑year‑old Tunchanok Donhomla was found in a suitcase near a railway track early on 27 June, with an autopsy revealing suffocation as the cause of death.
The girl’s naked body was discovered only fifteen minutes after authorities arrested 45‑year‑old Australian man Simon Peter Carman, who police say was attempting to leave Thailand. DNA found on the body matched Carman’s, indicating his involvement in placing the body in the vehicle.
Pattaya City Police chief Anek Srathongyoo stated that Tunchanok suffered a brain injury that was not the cause of death and that the injury may have occurred after her body was moved into the suitcase.
Police are pressing four charges against Carman: murder; concealing or moving a body; kidnapping a person over 15 but under 18; and removing a child under 18 for an indecent act.
Carman initially admitted taking the girl out but denied the full extent of the charges, alleging he had acted in self‑defence. He claimed to have agreed to pay Tunchanok 1,000 baht for sexual services, but disputed this after a dispute over payment.
Evidence from CCTV footage shows Carman accompanied Tunchanok at 03:34 on 25 June, entering a condominium before leaving with a large suitcase. He later loaded the bag onto a motorbike and drove towards a railway line.
The suspect issued a recorded apology to the victim’s family while in custody. “I feel bad for what happened to your daughter... Please tell other girls to be careful,” he told reporters.
Tunchanok, who was known by the nickname Cake, travelled to Pattaya on 16 June with a friend. She lived with her father, Thongchai Donhomla, and step‑mother in Kalasin province, 480 kilometres from Pattaya.
The family expressed profound grief. “My daughter had no mother,” her father said. “She always helped me, and I was deeply saddened.” Targeted comments by the step‑mother demanded the execution of Carman if convicted.
Carman faces the death penalty if found guilty of murder. Police plan to submit the case to prosecutors by Friday, before the 18 September indictment deadline.
