An Australian man has been charged with murder in Thailand following the discovery of a 17-year-old girl's body stuffed into a suitcase. Simon Carman, 46, was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Perth.
The body of Thongchai 'Nong Cake' Donhomla was found late Friday night near railway tracks in Pattaya, south Thailand. Police allege Carman placed her body into a black suitcase and attempted to flee the country. He faces charges including murder, concealment of a body, and taking a minor for sexual purposes.
Carman, who has ties to Thailand, reportedly told investigators that Ms. Donhomla had attacked him with a knife and that he acted in self-defense. He also expressed sorrow to the victim's family in police footage, stating, "I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control."
However, the parents of Ms. Donhomla, Thongchai and Ordee Butrakhamare, who traveled from their home in northern Thailand to collect their daughter's body, have stated they will "never forgive" the accused. They told local media that their daughter had only recently arrived in Pattaya for her first visit to the beach resort town, and that they had allowed her to go with friends due to her helpful nature.
Authorities allege that Carman met Ms. Donhomla at a bar known as 'Coconut Bar' in Pattaya. CCTV footage reportedly shows the pair entering his hotel block early Thursday morning. Carman allegedly told investigators he had agreed to pay the teenager, but an argument ensued when he offered less money than initially agreed upon.
After Ms. Donhomla's friends reported her missing, police searched Carman's condominium. He was later arrested at the airport. Investigators found the suitcase containing Ms. Donhomla's body, which showed signs of visible wounds. Items including her clothing, jewelry, and phone case were reportedly found inside the suitcase with her.
Thai law carries severe penalties for murder, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the Australian detained in Thailand.