June 29 (Citizen News) – An Australian man has been charged with murder in Thailand after the remains of a 17-year-old girl were discovered inside a suitcase.
Pattaya police told The Guardian that the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Simon Peter Carman, has denied all allegations against him.
According to footage obtained by ABC and other media outlets, Carman, while in custody, said the incident was “out of my control.” Thai media reports suggest the case may have begun following a dispute over money.
Authorities said Carman was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday in connection with the disappearance of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla in Pattaya, a coastal city in eastern Thailand.
After questioning, police in Pattaya later found a suitcase near railway tracks containing the victim’s remains, and she was identified as the missing teenager.
Carman has been charged with murder, concealing a corpse to obstruct the investigation, and abducting a minor aged over 15 but under 18 for indecent purposes. He denies all charges.
In custody footage, Carman is seen addressing the victim’s family, saying: “I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control.”
He also claimed the scratches on his arms and neck were caused by spiders, saying, “I think it’s a spider; they always get in here.”
CCTV footage reportedly shows Carman and the victim together in a condominium lobby early Thursday morning. Later footage allegedly shows him leaving the building with a suitcase on a motorbike and returning without it hours later.
Thai media reports say Carman pleaded not guilty and claimed self-defence during a struggle that led to the girl’s death, allegedly following a dispute over payment.
Under Thai law, a murder conviction can carry the death penalty or a prison sentence of 15 to 20 years.
The victim’s father told Reuters he is deeply saddened by the loss, describing his daughter as caring and supportive despite growing up without her mother.
Carman remains in custody at Pattaya City Court and is expected to appear in court at a later date. - Newswire
