Thai police have charged Australian national Simon Peter Carman, 45, with the murder of a 17-year-old girl, Thunchanok Donhomla, whose body was discovered in a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya. Investigators are also examining whether Carman could be connected to two unsolved deaths of women whose bodies were similarly found in suitcases within the past two years in neighboring districts.
Police Superintendent Colonel Anek Srathongyoo stated that while there is currently no direct evidence linking Carman to the earlier cases, similarities in the crime scenes have prompted the investigation. The previous cases involved women believed to have worked in the adult entertainment industry. Their bodies were found in the Huay Yai district and the neighboring Ban Chang district.
Carman was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday, just before he was scheduled to board a flight to Australia. He had entered Thailand on a tourist visa in December and later extended his stay. Authorities found no record of him overstaying his visa or having a criminal history in Thailand.
According to police, Donhomla was allegedly strangled to death by Carman following a dispute over payment. Her body was found in a black suitcase dumped near Carman's apartment block approximately 15 minutes after his arrest. Donhomla had reportedly messaged friends via the Line app upon arriving at Carman's apartment, stating, "I’ve arrived at [his] apartment. The room is so messy."
Investigators allege that Carman carried out ordinary daily activities, including shopping and doing laundry, for hours while Donhomla's body remained in a suitcase in his room. CCTV footage reportedly captured him moving the suitcase on his motorbike and riding away before returning without it. When detained, Carman initially attributed scratches on his neck to a fight with a friend, later changing his story to a spider bite. He has denied the charges against him, which include murder, disposing of and moving a body, and procuring a minor for sex.
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong has confirmed that the government is prepared to offer Carman consular assistance, labeling the case "horrific." The Department of Foreign Affairs provides welfare support, recommends local lawyers, and helps ensure basic needs are met for Australians jailed overseas, but cannot intervene in local laws or penalties.
Carman, who reportedly lived in Pattaya for a year, is described by some acquaintances as a loner prone to aggressive outbursts. Prior to moving to Thailand, he lived in Western Australia, where he had worked in the agricultural sector and as a mechanic and truck driver. His driver's license was revoked and his firearms seized approximately a year before he left for Thailand, following concerns from his wife and daughter about his behavior and gun collection.
Forensic specialists are examining evidence, including skin recovered from beneath Donhomla’s fingernails. An autopsy report is pending. The investigation is ongoing.