BANGKOK — Thai authorities have arrested an Australian man on murder charges following the discovery of the body of a 17-year-old girl inside a suitcase in the resort city of Pattaya, as the victim’s family called for justice over the killing.
Police identified the suspect as Simon Peter Carman, an Australian in his 40s, who was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Saturday while allegedly attempting to leave Thailand.
Investigators said Carman has been charged with murder, concealing a body, moving or destroying evidence, and taking a minor for sexual purposes.
According to police, investigators relied on surveillance camera footage that allegedly showed the suspect entering a condominium with the teenage girl before later leaving the building alone carrying a large suitcase.
Authorities said the footage then captured him transporting the suitcase on a motorcycle to a grassy area near a railway line, where the girl’s body was later discovered. The evidence prompted police to obtain an arrest warrant before officers intercepted the suspect at the airport.
Before being taken to court, Carman briefly addressed the victim’s family while at a police station.
“I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control,” he said.
The teenager’s father, 46-year-old Thongchai Donhomla, said the loss had left the family heartbroken.
He described his daughter as a hardworking young girl who often looked after herself and supported him whenever she could despite growing up without her mother.
“I am deeply saddened,” he said. “She always tried to help me whenever she could.”
The victim’s stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, expressed grief and demanded the strongest punishment available under Thai law.
“I want him to face the full consequences of what he has done,” she said.
Police have not announced when the suspect will make his first formal court appearance.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence surrounding the circumstances of the teenager’s death.
Australian Charged With Murder After Thai Teen’s Body Found Inside Suitcase in Pattaya
