Simon Carman, a 45-year-old Australian man, is accused of murdering 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla and concealing her body in a suitcase. Carman was arrested at Bangkok's international airport while attempting to board a flight to Perth.
Weeks before the alleged murder, Carman invited Tang Chai, 43, to his condominium in Pattaya. Ms. Chai, a mother of two, described the encounter with Carman, stating his condo was "stinky" and messy. She recounted a dispute over her fee for sexual services, with Carman allegedly accusing her of trying to scam him. Despite the disagreement, she stated she felt safe during their meeting. They continued to text afterward, but Carman declined a subsequent booking offer.
Police allege Carman killed Ms. Donhomla following an argument over 20 Australian dollars. Ms. Chai's experience aligns with other accounts of Carman's behavior in Pattaya, where he was known to frequent bars, buy drinks for women, offer gifts, and repeatedly suggest massages.
Carman arrived in Thailand on a student visa in October 2025 but had made frequent visits prior. Bar owners and business operators in the area described him as a regular customer who often bought drinks and food. One bar owner, Kate, recalled Carman disputing a bill for seven beers, offering to pay for only four. She also noted Carman's physical strength and his persistent interest in her 20-year-old niece, who worked at the bar. Kate stated that her niece never agreed to go out with Carman and found his behavior unsettling, particularly his frequent offers to give massages and his physical contact with the female staff.
Carman reportedly told detectives he panicked during a dispute with Ms. Donhomla over money. He claimed she pulled a knife on him and demanded cash from his wallet, which contained approximately 20,000 Thai baht (about $870 AUD). He stated that in the ensuing struggle, he grabbed her wrists and then placed his hands around her neck, eventually leading to her death. Carman told detectives he may not have taken medication for a nerve condition that affects his brain and judgment. He stated he did not realize how tightly he had been holding her until she collapsed.
According to investigators, Carman placed Ms. Donhomla's body into a suitcase the following day, after her friends had visited his apartment searching for her. He then allegedly transported the suitcase on his motorbike and left it in tall grass near railway tracks. Pattaya police arrested Carman at the airport, leading to the discovery of the teenager's body. Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyoo described a sense of instinct guiding the investigation from the initial report.
Ms. Donhomla's family has stated they do not want any financial settlement with Carman, emphasizing their desire for the legal process to conclude and for justice for their daughter. Carman faces potential penalties of life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.