An Australian man, Simon Peter Carman, 45, has been charged with murder in Thailand after a 17-year-old Thai teenager was discovered dead inside a suitcase. The victim, Tunchanok Donhomla, was found near Carman's hotel in Pattaya. Authorities arrested Carman on Friday night at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok as he attempted to board a flight to Perth.
CCTV footage allegedly shows Carman picking up Ms. Donhomla from Pattaya's Beach Road on Thursday. The pair were seen entering an elevator together, holding hands. Hours later, Carman was captured on camera leaving the hotel with a black suitcase. Ms. Donhomla's body was discovered inside the suitcase along a railway line, approximately ten minutes from Carman's hotel.
Police allege that Carman and Ms. Donhomla had agreed on a payment of 1,000 baht (approximately $43.45 AUD), but an argument ensued when Carman offered only 500 baht ($21.72 AUD). In a police video, Carman claimed the teenager demanded more money and attempted to rob him, leading him to act in self-defense. "I had my wallet open to get my money out, next thing I know, there's a knife in my face," he stated.
Speaking in the police video, Carman addressed Ms. Donhomla's family, expressing his remorse. "I feel bad for what happened to your daughter; it was out of my control," he said. "I know you will be very sad, upset, same me. It shouldn't happen and I hope you okay, I know you're not, but I hope. Please tell other girls… just to be careful."
When questioned by a reporter, Carman denied killing Ms. Donhomla. Regarding scratches on his neck, he attributed them to a spider bite. "I have the same on the other side," he said. "I think it's a spider, they always get in here."
Colonel Anek Sarathongyu, Pattaya City Police superintendent, stated that CCTV footage from the hotel indicated no one else entered Carman's room, and Ms. Donhomla was not seen leaving. Ms. Donhomla's friends reported her missing at 5 p.m. on Friday, two hours before Carman's arrest. Her body was found at 11 p.m.
Colonel Sarathongyu noted that the physical characteristics and tattoos on the body matched those of Ms. Donhomla seen on CCTV with the suspect. Local Thai media have reported that Carman has been charged with murder, a conviction that carries a potential life sentence or the death penalty in Thailand. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the Australian detained in Thailand but declined further comment due to privacy obligations.