Simon Carman, an Australian national accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai girl, is being held in a notoriously harsh police holding cell in Pattaya, Thailand. The conditions inside the facility have been described as dire, with inmates sleeping on concrete floors in sweltering heat, lacking air conditioning, beds, and even guaranteed food.
Carman, 45, is accused of murdering Tunchanok Donhomla, known as Nong Cake, and allegedly disposing of her body in a suitcase. He was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday night as he attempted to board a flight to Perth. He is currently detained in the Soi 9 cells in Pattaya while the investigation continues.
Unlike the conditions in Australian prisons, Thai holding cells offer no beds or regular meals. Detainees are expected to fend for themselves. Tim 'Sharky' Ward, an expatriate who has previously spent time in the same cells, described the environment as a "hellhole." He noted that inmates often strip to their underwear to cope with the heat and share a bucket of water for washing, as there are no showers.
"It's hot, there isn't much ventilation and there isn't any airconditioning," Ward said. "There's no bed, no mattress and no pillow. You sleep on the concrete. The coolest place is the floor."
Ward indicated that food is not provided by the facility, and detainees must rely on others or purchase their own if they have money. He suggested that the Australian consulate might provide support, including food and water. It is anticipated that Carman will be asked to participate in a crime reconstruction process, where police will have him walk through the alleged events and locations related to the crime.
Ward, who has had previous run-ins with Thai authorities, suggested that cases involving alleged violence against Thai nationals are treated with particular seriousness. He warned that Carman faces a grim future, citing potential risks from malnutrition, disease, and prisoner violence. "There is no good ending for this guy. It's just going to be hell from now on," Ward stated.
Carman is expected to have his first court appearance this week. Ward mentioned that in some cases, detainees are offered a chance to pay a sum of money to be released, but he believes this option is unlikely for Carman given the severity of the allegations and the international attention the case has drawn.
Ward also commented on a public apology Carman reportedly made to Ms. Donhomla's family, suggesting that while remorse and compensation can sometimes aid cases in Thailand, he doubts Carman has the financial means to offer significant compensation, especially given the alleged motive of a small sum of money.