Simon Carman, 45, an Australian national, is being held in a Pattaya police holding cell following his arrest for the alleged murder of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, known as Nong Cake. Carman was apprehended at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday night as he attempted to board a flight to Perth.
Authorities accuse Carman of murdering Donhomla and stuffing her body into a suitcase, which was subsequently found in long grass near railway tracks in Pattaya. He is currently detained in the Soi 9 police holding cells, a facility described as having extreme conditions.
Unlike detention facilities in Australia, Thai police holding cells reportedly offer minimal comforts. Inmates must sleep on concrete floors in their underwear to cope with temperatures that can exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The cells lack air conditioning, beds, and even guaranteed food supplies. Detainees must rely on outside support or purchase their own food.
Limited sanitation is also a concern, with reports of detainees being provided only a bucket of water and a ladle for washing, as opposed to regular showers. "It's hell in there," said an expatriate identified only as Tim 'Sharky' Ward, a former loan shark who previously spent time in the same facility. Ward warned that Carman could face dangers from malnutrition, disease, or other inmates, stating, "No good ending for this guy."
Carman is expected to remain in the holding cells while the investigation proceeds, which will include a crime reconstruction process. During this process, police will reportedly have him walk through the alleged crime scene to recount his actions.
Ward suggested that Carman's chances of a plea deal or early release, common for some offenses in Thailand involving payment, are unlikely given the severity of the charges and international attention on the case. He noted that offenses against Thai nationals are typically treated with greater seriousness. "Foreigners can fight among themselves, but if you hurt a Thai person, it puts it on another completely different level," Ward commented.
While Carman has reportedly issued an apology to the victim's family, Ward expressed skepticism about its impact, particularly if Carman lacks the financial means to offer compensation, which can sometimes influence outcomes in Thai courts. The alleged motive for the killing was reportedly a sum of less than AU$20.
Following the police holding period, Carman will be transferred to Pattaya Prison. The Australian consulate has indicated it will offer support to Carman.