Simon Peter Carman, aged 45, has been accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai girl named Tunchanok Donhomla. Her body was discovered concealed inside a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya, Thailand. Carman faces several charges, including murder, hiding a body, tampering with a body, and engaging in sexual activities with a minor between the ages of 15 and 17.
According to police reports, Carman allegedly strangled the teenager following a dispute over payment for sexual services on June 25. The victim’s body was then hidden in his residence.
During the investigation, it came to light that Carman had been exchanging messages with a local sex worker via WhatsApp while the victim’s body was allegedly hidden in his bathroom. The communication included Carman mentioning his fatigue and plans to go swimming.
The woman who received these messages reportedly panicked upon learning of Carman’s arrest for the alleged murder. Carman and the victim, known as “Cake,” were last seen together entering his apartment building near Jomtien Beach. Surveillance footage captured them holding hands before entering the building, marking the final sighting of the victim alive.
In his statement to the police, Carman admitted to possibly strangling the victim during a heated argument, causing her to lose consciousness and subsequently die. He then confessed to concealing her body in a suitcase out of panic before disposing of it the next day.
Carman maintains his innocence, claiming self-defense and alleging that the victim threatened him with a knife. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Subsequent CCTV footage showed Carman leaving his hotel with a large suitcase, which was later found to contain the victim’s body. The discovery was made after the victim was reported missing by a friend.
Carman was apprehended at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Perth. Authorities noted that the victim had facial injuries consistent with a violent assault. Following her tragic death, Tunchanok’s parents expressed shock and sorrow, describing her as helpful, kind, and resourceful.
Her father, Thongchai Donhomla, recalled his daughter’s independence and supportiveness, while her stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, expressed disbelief and grief. The family is devastated by the loss of Tunchanok, and they continue to mourn her passing.