The father of a 17-year-old Thai girl, whose body was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase, has sent a defiant message to her accused killer, an Australian man. The family insists on seeking the full force of the law, refusing any financial compensation.
Simon Peter Carman, 45, was arrested before boarding a flight to Perth and faces charges including murder, concealing and moving a body, and abducting a minor for indecent purposes. Police allege Carman folded Tunchanok Donhomla’s body into a suitcase and abandoned it near railway tracks, approximately 2.6 miles from his residence. Carman denies the charges, claiming he acted in self-defense following a dispute over 500 baht (approximately $23).
Donhomla's father, Thongchai, stated that the family will not pursue or accept compensation from Carman if he is found guilty. He emphasized that his daughter's dignity is not for sale, even though the family is not wealthy. "Even though I am poor, I will not trade my daughter’s dignity for money," he told ABC. "I love my daughter so much."
In Thailand, murder convictions can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. While the Thai legal system considers mitigating factors, such as restitution to victims or their families, which can significantly reduce jail time, Donhomla's family has quashed any possibility of such a reduction. "I will let the legal system take its course," the father stated.
Carman could face substantial legal fees, potentially exceeding $130,000. If unable to pay, he may be assigned a court-appointed lawyer, which sources suggest could be detrimental to his case, particularly if the lawyer has limited understanding of English.
Evidence presented includes text messages allegedly sent by Carman. A sex worker claims she was messaging with Carman while Donhomla’s body was allegedly in his apartment bathroom. Carman reportedly texted, "I’m so tired. I’m going to go for a swim today." The sex worker expressed panic upon hearing of Carman's arrest after a body was found.
Earlier, Carman was involved in an aggressive text exchange with a Thai woman, Khanittha Thongsuknmag, following a motorbike accident. She described Carman as "King Kong" and recounted him threatening her to buy him a wheelchair or face "big trouble." Despite her offering to pay for damages, Carman allegedly continued to demand more money.
Another woman, Tang Chai, encountered Carman at a convenience store and later met him at his apartment. She described the room as "stinky" and "musty." She stated Carman paid her 3500 baht ($150) for an agreed-upon act. Chai expressed fear after seeing Carman on the news, worrying that a similar fate could have befallen her.
Sources claim Carman regularly brought young Thai women to his apartment, sometimes asking them to clean his room or for a massage, for which he would pay around 2000 baht ($86). Police released messages from Donhomla to her friends stating she had arrived at Carman's apartment and that the room was messy. This message was reportedly sent so her friends would know of her arrival and not worry.
CCTV footage shows Donhomla and Carman entering his accommodation building together around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 26. Police confirmed Donhomla was killed at 4 a.m. Later that evening, Carman was allegedly seen on camera leaving the building alone with a large black suitcase, which he transported by motorbike.
Police found Donhomla's body in a 29-inch suitcase. Along with her body, they discovered her trainers, jeans, underwear, mobile phone case, wallet, and gold jewelry. Tattoos on her body matched those in her social media images.