Australian Simon Peter Carman has been charged with murder after police recovered the body of 17‑year‑old Tunchanok Donhomla, nicknamed “Cake,” from a suitcase discarded near a railway line in Pattaya, Thailand.
Police said the victim was reported missing on Friday night. CCTV footage showed Carman entering a condominium on Thursday with Donhomla at 03:34, then leaving alone carrying a large suitcase. A few hours later, he allegedly drove to a railway track and left the bag, according to Pattaya City Police.
The suspect was detained at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport early Saturday, where Thai authorities claimed he was attempting to leave the country. Carman, who has denied any involvement, issued a statement to the family saying, “I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control.”
Carman has also faced additional accusations, including alleged sexual assault and attempts to conceal a body, though he maintains that the situation was one of self‑defence following a dispute over sexual payments. Police footage shows him responding to questions about fingernail scratches that appear consistent with a struggle.
Donhomla was an only child from Kalasin, travelling to Pattaya on 16 June with a friend. Her parents have expressed deep grief and have demanded the harshest punishment for the accused. If convicted, Carman could face the death penalty under Thai law.
Tunchanok Donhomla, nicknamed Cake.
