Australian man charged with murder after teen found dead in Thailand suitcase
Authorities in Pattaya have detained 45-year-old Simon Peter Carman following the discovery of a teenager's body near a local railway track. The suspect, who was apprehended at Bangkok airport, denies the charges and claims he acted in self-defence.
An Australian man remains in detention in Thailand following his arrest in connection with the death of a 17-year-old girl, whose body was discovered inside a suitcase near a railway track in the coastal city of Pattaya. The suspect, identified by authorities as 45-year-old Simon Peter Carman, was taken into custody at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on 26 June 2026. Police apprehended the man as he allegedly attempted to board a flight to Perth.
The victim, Tunchanok Donhomla, was reported missing by friends. Following the report, investigators reviewed security footage from a condominium in Pattaya. According to police, the footage shows the teenager, whose nickname was "Cake," entering the building with Carman at 03:34 on Thursday. Later that evening, surveillance cameras allegedly captured the suspect leaving the property while carrying a large black suitcase, which he was seen loading onto a motorbike.
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Officers discovered the victim's naked body inside the suitcase near a railway line shortly after the suspect’s arrest. Police Colonel Anek Srathongyoo, Superintendent of the Pattaya City Police Station, stated that the victim suffered a severe assault, noting heavy bruising to her face. Authorities reported that Carman bears fingernail scratches across his body, which they describe as consistent with a physical struggle. When questioned by police about the marks on his neck in a recorded video, Carman attributed them to a spider.
Carman has been charged with multiple offences, including murder, concealing a body, moving or destroying a body, and taking a minor for sexual purposes. Despite the evidence presented by investigators, the suspect denies the allegations. Carman claimed he met the teenager on a street in Pattaya and returned to his apartment with the intention of paying for sexual services. He alleged an argument ensued over payment—specifically, a dispute regarding whether to pay 1,000 baht or 500 baht—and that the teenager threatened him with a kitchen knife. Carman further claimed that he acted in self-defence and that the teenager "disappeared from the room" while he was asleep.
In a video statement recorded while in police custody, Carman addressed the victim's family, saying:
"I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control."
The victim’s family, who reside in Kalasin, expressed deep grief following the discovery. The teenager's father, Thongchai Donhomla, stated he was "deeply saddened" by the death of his only child. Her step-mother, Oradee Bussarakum, described the family's state as one of being "shocked and speechless," noting they had hoped for her safe return until the discovery of the body. Ms. Oradee noted that the family had not forced the teenager to work, but that she would sometimes assist them by selling garlands or fruits at road intersections.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to an Australian detained in Thailand but stated it could not provide further comment due to privacy obligations. The arrest coincides with recent changes in Thai immigration policy, as the government reduced the length of visa-free stays for tourists in May following various high-profile incidents involving foreign nationals.
For the legal proceedings ahead, police have a set window to complete their formal investigation. Authorities have 84 days to conclude their inquiry before a court date is announced. The suspect is currently held in detention at the Pattaya Prison.
