Thai Teen Found in Suitcase Died of Suffocation, Police Confirm

By Gavin Butler and Thanyarat Doksone – Bangkok

Police in Pattaya said the naked body of 17‑year‑old Tunchanok Donhomla was found in a suitcase on the railway line on 27 June, just 15 minutes after Australian citizen Simon Peter Carman was arrested for allegedly attempting to flee the country.

The city police chief, Anek Srathongyoo, told the BBC that an autopsy revealed the girl died from suffocation and suffered a minor brain injury that was not the cause of death. He added that DNA on the body matched Carman’s, likely deposited when the suitcase was packed.

Carman now faces four charges: murder, concealment of the body, kidnapping of a person under 18, and sexual assault of a minor. The police have collected evidence and expect to submit the case to prosecutors by Friday, as the indictment deadline is 18 September.

Earlier CCTV footage shows Carman entering a condominium with Tunchanok at 03:34 on 25 June, leaving alone with a large suitcase later that evening. He allegedly loaded the bag onto a motorbike and drove toward the rail line before the body was discovered.

Carman denied the charges, claimed self‑defence and said he had paid Tunchanok 1,000 baht for sexual services, though they argued and he offered only 500 baht. In a video while in custody he expressed remorse, stating “I feel bad for what happened to your daughter” and urged other girls to be careful.

Tunchanok’s family said she was an only child from Kalasin province, travelling to Pattaya for the first time on 16 June. Her father, Thongchai Donhomla, described his daughter as “deeply saddened” and “who helped him always.” Her step‑mother, Oradee Bussarakum, said she feared the worst and wished for Carman’s execution, noting that if convicted the man could face the death penalty.

For more details, the BBC continues to monitor the developments as authorities push forward in their investigation of this tragic case.