Thai teen found in suitcase died from suffocation, police reveal
New evidence sheds more light on the death of Tunchanok Donholma, who was allegedly murdered in June.
A 17-year-old Thai girl, Tunchanok Donhomla, whose body was discovered in a suitcase, died from suffocation, according to police. Authorities in the coastal city of Pattaya previously reported finding Tunchanok's naked body in a bag near a railway track on June 27, shortly after arresting 45-year-old Australian man Simon Peter Carman, who they said was "preparing to flee the country."
Pattaya City police chief Anek Srathongyoo confirmed on Wednesday that Tunchanok's autopsy results indicated suffocation as the cause of death. He added that while she sustained some brain injury, it was not fatal and likely occurred after her death as her body was moved in the suitcase. DNA found on Tunchanok's body matched Carman's, which Anek suggested likely happened when he placed her in the suitcase.
Carman faces four charges: murder, concealing or moving the body, kidnapping a child between 15 and 18, and taking away a child between 15 and 18 for an indecent act. Anek stated that Carman initially admitted to taking Tunchanok out, and despite any potential not-guilty plea, police believe they have thoroughly collected evidence to prove the crimes. The case is expected to be submitted to prosecutors by Friday, with a September 18 deadline for Carman's indictment.
CCTV footage reportedly shows Carman entering a condominium with Tunchanok on June 25, and later that evening, emerging alone with a large suitcase, which he then loaded onto a motorbike and drove towards a railway line.
Following his arrest, Carman denied the charges, claiming self-defense. He reportedly told police he had agreed to pay Tunchanok 1,000 baht ($30; £23) for sexual services but an argument ensued when he offered only 500 baht upon their return to his apartment. In a video recorded in custody, Carman expressed remorse to Tunchanok's family, stating, "I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control," and urged other girls to "just be careful."
Tunchanok, known as Cake, was an only child from Kalasin province, about 480km (298 miles) northeast of Pattaya. She had told her parents she was going on holiday with a friend and traveled to Pattaya on June 16. Her father, Thongchai Donhomla, expressed deep sadness, noting his daughter's independence and helpfulness. Her stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, said the news confirmed their fears and expressed a desire for Carman's execution, even asking police if she could physically assault him. If convicted of murder, Carman could face the death penalty.