In brief
Authorities in Pattaya, Thailand, confirm that Tunchanok Donhomla, a 17‑year‑old from Kalasin province, died from suffocation after being discovered in a suitcase near a railway track. DNA evidence links the case to 45‑year‑old Australian citizen Simon Peter Carman, who has been charged with murder and related crimes. The teen had recently travelled to Pattaya for a holiday. Carman has admitted to transporting the body but denies wrongdoing, claiming self‑defence. He faces possible death penalty if convicted.
Police officials in Pattaya, Thailand, confirmed on Wednesday that Tunchanok Donhomla, a 17‑year‑old girl, died from suffocation after her naked body was found in a bag near a railway track. The body was discovered roughly 15 minutes after the arrest of 45‑year‑old Australian national Simon Peter Carman, who authorities say was preparing to flee the country.
Chief Anek Srathongyoo stated that the autopsy showed suffocation as the cause of death and that the teen suffered a brain injury that did not cause death. He added that DNA found on the body matched the suspect’s, likely coming from when the body was placed in the suitcase.
Police have pressed four charges against Carman: murder; concealing or moving the body; kidnapping a child aged 15 to 18; and taking a child aged 15 to 18 for an indecent act. The chief said the evidence is comprehensive enough to prove the charges in court, even if the suspect later claims not guilty.
Carman allegedly entered a condominium with Donhomla at 03:34 local time on 25 June and later left alone carrying a large suitcase. CCTV footage shows him loading the bag onto a motorbike before heading toward a railway line. After his arrest, the suspect denied the allegations, claiming he was acting in self‑defence and that he had merely offered her payment for sexual services.
In a video recorded while in custody, Carman apologized to the victim’s family, stating: "I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control. I know you’ll be very sad, upset… same as me." He urged other girls to be careful.
Donhomla, whose nickname was Cake, had left her home in Kalasin province—a town 480 km northeast of Pattaya—in pursuit of a holiday with a friend. A family spokesperson reported that the teen was an only child who often helped her father with chores.
The father, Thongchai Donhomla, expressed deep sadness, adding that his daughter had always been self‑sufficient. The stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, said the family feared the worst and wanted justice for the victim.
If found guilty, Carman could face Thailand’s death penalty for the murder charge. Police intend to file the indictment by Friday, before the specified deadline of 18 September. The case highlights ongoing concerns about tourists and foreign nationals involved in serious crimes in Thailand.
