Australian Man Charged With Murder After Teen Girl’s Body Found in Suitcase in Thailand
PATTAYA, Thailand — Thai police have charged an Australian man with murder after the body of a 17-year-old girl was discovered inside a suitcase abandoned near a railway track in the resort city of Pattaya.
Authorities identified the suspect as 65-year-old Simon Peter Carman, who was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in the early hours of Saturday while allegedly attempting to leave the country.
According to Pattaya City Police, the victim, identified by local media as 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, had been reported missing on Friday evening. Investigators launched an urgent search after concerns were raised about her whereabouts.
Police said a review of CCTV footage allegedly showed Carman entering a condominium with the teenager before later leaving alone while carrying a large suitcase. The suspect was then seen loading the luggage onto a motorcycle and travelling toward a railway area on the outskirts of Pattaya.
Acting on the evidence gathered, officers tracked Carman to Bangkok’s main international airport, where he was arrested shortly after 1:00 a.m. local time. Approximately 15 minutes later, investigators discovered the teenager’s body inside a suitcase that had been discarded near the railway line.
Authorities said the victim’s body was found naked and concealed within the luggage.
During questioning, Carman reportedly denied the murder charge, as well as allegations related to concealing a body and taking a minor for sexual purposes. According to local reports, he claimed he acted in self-defence.
In a video recorded while in police custody, the suspect expressed regret over the teenager’s death and addressed her family directly.
“I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control,” he said. “I know you’ll be very sad and upset, same as me.”
He also urged young women to be cautious, saying, “Please tell other girls to be careful.”
The victim’s family has called for justice as the investigation continues. Her father described himself as devastated by the loss, while her stepmother said she hopes the suspect faces the full legal consequences if found guilty.
Thai authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death. Police are continuing to gather forensic evidence and review surveillance footage as they prepare the case for prosecution.
The incident has drawn significant attention in both Thailand and Australia, raising concerns about the safety of young people and the circumstances that led to the tragic death.
If convicted, the suspect could face severe penalties under Thai law.
