An Australian man, Simon Peter Carman, 46, has been charged with murder after the body of a 17-year-old Thai girl, Tunchanok Donhomla, was found stuffed in a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya, Thailand. Carman, a British-born tradie from Perth, was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as he allegedly attempted to flee the country. Police allege he strangled the teenager, whose nickname was Cake, after a dispute over payment for sexual services. Carman denies the charges, claiming self-defense.
The case has drawn attention due to its similarities to two unsolved murders in Pattaya over the past two years, where women’s bodies were also found concealed in luggage. Thai authorities are investigating potential links between the cases, though Carman is not suspected in the earlier incidents.
Family Mourns Victim
The victim’s family expressed devastation over her death. Her father, Thongchai Donhomla, described her as a hardworking daughter who supported him. Her stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, called for the harshest punishment for Carman. In a statement to the family, Carman said, 'I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control.'
Police Investigation
CCTV footage shows Carman entering a condominium with the victim at 3:34 AM on Thursday and leaving alone hours later carrying a suitcase. Police tracked him to the airport, where he was arrested before boarding a flight to Perth. The suitcase was later found near railway tracks.
Carman faces charges of murder, concealment of a body, moving or destroying a body, and taking a minor for sexual purposes. Thai law mandates the death penalty for murder convictions.
Broader Context
Pattaya has a history of violent crimes, and the recent case has raised concerns about safety in the tourist hotspot. Authorities are reviewing the unsolved cases to determine if a serial offender is at large.
The investigation continues as Carman awaits trial in Pattaya Provincial Court.