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Pattaya murder investigation of Thai teenager

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2026-08-26 05:08 UTC → 2026-09-18 08:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Authorities in Pattaya, Thailand, are investigating the death of 17-year-old Tunchanok ‘Cake’ Donhomla, whose body was discovered inside a suitcase near railway tracks. An autopsy determined the cause of death was asphyxiation and noted the victim sustained brain injuries. Police arrested 45-year-old Australian national Simon Peter Carman after matching DNA found on the victim to him. Carman faces several charges, including intentional murder, kidnapping of a minor for indecent purposes, and the concealment or movement of a corpse. He was intercepted by immigration officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport while attempting to board a flight to Australia. Speaking from Pattaya Prison, Carman has pleaded not guilty to all counts. He has claimed the death was “unavoidable” and occurred during a struggle in which he acted in self-defence. In recent statements, he alleged that after a dispute over money, the teenager produced a knife, leading him to strangle her while attempting to restrain her. Carman further maintained that he believed the victim was between 20 and 30 years old and was unaware she was a minor. He admitted to placing her body in a suitcase and transporting it to a roadside location but denied killing her. He also claimed to have suffered physical assaults and significant weight loss while in custody. Thai police investigations appear to contradict these claims. CCTV footage shows the pair walking hand-in-hand into Carman’s apartment complex, and he was later observed transporting a large suitcase via motorcycle. The victim's father, Thongchai Donhomla, has publicly rejected Carman's claims and apologies, calling for the accused to take full responsibility and stating the family intends to oppose any requests for Carman to be released on bail.

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