An Australian man, Simon Peter Carman, 45, has been charged with murder and other offenses in Thailand after the body of a 17-year-old girl was discovered in a suitcase near railway tracks. Tunchanok Donhomla, also known as 'Nong Cake,' was found dead just ten minutes from Carman's condominium in Pattaya.
Carman, who had been living in Thailand for eight months, reportedly met Donhomla early Thursday morning on Beach Road. Investigators allege an argument arose between the two at his condominium concerning payment for services. According to police, Carman told authorities they had agreed on a payment of 1,000 baht, but an altercation occurred when he offered 500 baht.
Carman has denied the murder charge, claiming he acted in self-defense after being attacked. He told police Donhomla had attacked him with a knife. He attributed visible scratches and bruises on his neck and arms to spiders at the condominium, stating they were always present.
CCTV footage allegedly shows Carman wheeling a black suitcase from his condominium, securing it to a motorbike, and driving away. The suitcase was later found in long grass containing Donhomla's belongings, including her trainers, jeans, underwear, phone case, wallet, and jewelry.
Carman was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport as he was about to board a flight to Perth, Australia, following a missing persons report filed by a friend of Donhomla. Thai authorities have charged Carman with murder, concealing a body, moving a body, and offenses relating to a minor. In Thailand, a murder conviction can result in the death penalty.
Neighbors described Carman, who worked as a handyman and part-time at a local bar, as a quiet individual who kept a low profile. One woman who spoke with him regularly described him as 'a bit abnormal,' noting he spoke slowly and observed things for extended periods, but did not appear aggressive.
Donhomla's parents, Thongchai Donhomla and Ordee Butrakhamare, traveled to Pattaya to collect their daughter's remains. Her father expressed deep sadness, while her stepmother stated she wants Carman executed. Donhomla had reportedly arrived in Pattaya only days before her death, on her first visit to the city known for its nightlife.
Carman, who reportedly previously lived in Western Australia, has a history of charges in Western Australia, including disorderly behavior, driving while disqualified, and demanding property with threats. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to Carman. The age of individuals in similar establishments is often masked by identification cards stating they are older than 18.