An Australian truck driver has been charged with murder in Thailand after the body of a 17-year-old girl was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase. Simon Carman, 46, faces charges including murder, concealment of a body, and taking a minor for sexual purposes.
The victim, Tunchanok 'Nong Cake' Donhomla, was found naked with visible wounds in the suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya on Friday night. Inside the suitcase with her were items including her shoes, jeans, wallet, and jewelry.
Authorities allege Carman met Ms. Donhomla at a bar on Thursday. CCTV footage reportedly shows the pair entering Carman's hotel room early Friday morning. Later that day, Carman was allegedly captured on camera leaving the hotel with a large black suitcase. He is accused of strapping the suitcase to his motorcycle and discarding it on the side of the road approximately ten minutes from his hotel.
Ms. Donhomla's friends reported her missing on Friday, prompting an investigation. Police searched Carman's hotel room, seizing evidence and requesting an arrest warrant. Carman was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday, just before his flight to Perth was scheduled to depart.
During police questioning, Carman reportedly stated that he and Ms. Donhomla had argued over money, with an alleged dispute arising when he offered 500 baht (approximately $21.72 USD) instead of the agreed-upon 1,000 baht (approximately $43.45 USD). He also claimed Ms. Donhomla attacked him with a knife and that he acted in self-defense, denying he killed her. He attributed scratches and bruises on his neck and arms to spiders.
Carman, who runs a mobile refuelling service in Western Australia, has a history with police in his home country, including charges of disorderly behaviour, driving while disqualified, and demanding property with threats. Social media profiles suggest he has had frequent contact with Thailand.
Ms. Donhomla was from Kalasin Province in northern Thailand. Thai law prohibits the sexual exploitation of individuals under 18. A murder conviction in Thailand can carry a life sentence or the death penalty. Carman remains in police custody as the investigation continues.