A 45-year-old man, Simon Peter Carman, has been accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai girl named Tunchanok Donhomla. Her body was discovered hidden in a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya, Thailand. Carman faces charges of murder, body concealment, body movement or destruction, and taking a minor for sexual purposes.
Authorities claim that Carman strangled the teenager during a dispute over payment for sexual services on June 25 and then concealed her body in his residence. Investigations revealed that Carman was engaging in casual WhatsApp conversations with a local sex worker while the victim’s body was reportedly hidden in his bathroom. The messages indicated Carman’s nonchalant demeanor, mentioning plans to swim while the tragic event was unfolding.
Allegedly, Carman met the victim, known as “Cake,” near Jomtien Beach and returned to his apartment after socializing at a red-light district bar. Surveillance footage captured the last moments of Tunchanok’s life as she entered the building hand in hand with Carman. She later messaged a friend using the Line app to disclose her location, expressing discomfort due to the messy apartment.
According to police, an agreement for sexual services was made for 1,000 baht, but Carman offered only 500 baht upon reaching his apartment, leading to a quarrel. Carman confessed during interrogation that he may have strangled Tunchanok in self-defense, causing her death. Subsequently, he panicked and concealed her body in a suitcase in the bathroom before disposing of it the following day.
Carman refutes the murder allegations, claiming self-defense against a knife-wielding threat by the victim. Surveillance footage captured Carman leaving his hotel with a large suitcase strapped to a motorcycle, which led to the discovery of Tunchanok’s body after her friend reported her missing. Carman was apprehended at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport while attempting to flee to Perth.
Authorities noted that Tunchanok displayed facial injuries consistent with a violent assault. Her grieving parents expressed shock and sorrow, highlighting her helpful and kind nature. Tunchanok’s stepmother and father conveyed disbelief and deep sadness at the tragic turn of events, reflecting on their daughter’s resourcefulness and compassion.
