Police in Pattaya, Thailand, have confirmed that the body of 17‑year‑old Tunchanok Donhomla, discovered in a suitcase near a railway track, died from suffocation.
The autopsy, released Wednesday by police chief Anek Srathongyoo, also found a brain injury but ruled it not the cause of death, suggesting the injuries occurred after the girl’s death when the body was moved.
DNA evidence linked the victim’s remains to Simon Peter Carman, a 45‑year‑old Australian national, who was arrested shortly before the discovery. Carman faces four charges: murder, concealment of a corpse, kidnapping of a minor, and carrying a minor for indecent acts.
Carman, who denied the charges, claimed self‑defence and said he had paid the victim small sums for sexual services. He recorded a brief video in custody apologising to the family and warning other girls to be cautious.
Tunchanok, nicknamed “Cake,” had travelled to Pattaya with a friend for a holiday on 16 June and was the only child of a father and step‑mother from Kalasin province. The family expressed deep grief and called for the suspect to be executed.
If convicted, Carman could face Thailand’s death penalty. The police intend to file the case with prosecutors by Friday, meeting the 18 September indictment deadline.
