Police in Thailand’s Pattaya city have confirmed that 17‑year‑old Tunchanok Donhomla died by suffocation after her body was found in a suitcase near a railway track. The discovery came after the arrest of 45‑year‑old Australian national Simon Peter Carman, who police say was attempting to leave the country.
Autopsy reports reveal that the teenager suffered brain injury, but death was caused by suffocation. DNA samples found on the body matched Carman, supporting the claim that he handled the suitcase.
Police have pressed four charges against Carman – murder, concealment of a body, kidnapping of a minor and a sexual assault offence. Deputy chief Anek Srathongyoo says evidence is comprehensive and will be presented to prosecutors by Friday, before the 18 September deadline.
Earlier footage shows Carman accompanying the victim to a condo at 03:34 on 25 June before leaving alone with a large suitcase. CCTV indicated the suitcase was later placed on a motorbike en route to a nearby railway line where it was abandoned.
Carman denied the charges and claimed self‑defence. He stated he had agreed to pay the victim 1,000 baht for sexual services, which fell short of a 1,500 baht verbal offer. In custody, the suspect recorded a message to the victim's family, expressing remorse.
Tunchanok’s family, who reside in Kalasin province, expressed profound grief. Her father said she was a driven young woman. The step‑mother demanded a harsh punishment for Carman, noting death could be the penalty if convicted.
