A man accused of killing a Thai teenager allegedly sent messages to a sex worker while the victim's body was hidden in his bathroom. Simon Peter Carman, 45, was charged with murdering 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla after her body was found hidden inside a suitcase and dumped near railway tracks in Pattaya, Thailand. His charges include murder, concealment of a body, moving or destroying a body, and taking a minor aged between 15-17 for sexual purposes.
Alleged Messages Sent While Body Concealed
Police allege Carman strangled the teenager after an argument over payment for sexual services in the early hours of June 25 before hiding her body in his apartment. It has now emerged that Carman was exchanging casual WhatsApp messages with a local sex worker while Tunchanok's body was allegedly hidden in his bathroom. In the message, Carman wrote: "I'm so tired. I'm going to go for a swim today," reports 7news.
The woman who received the messages is believed to have panicked after learning just hours later that Carman had been arrested over the teenager's alleged murder.
Last Sighting of the Teenager
Carman reportedly met Tunchanok, who was known as "Cake", near Jomtien Beach after being seen drinking at a nearby red-light district bar before returning with her to his apartment. Video footage showed the 45-year-old holding hands with Tunchanok as they entered the building together, marking the last time the teenager was seen alive. The 17-year-old later messaged a friend using the Line app to let them know where she was.
Thai police colonel Anek Srathongyoo said she wrote: "I've arrived at [his] apartment. The room is so messy." According to local media, the pair had agreed on 1,000 baht (around £22) for sexual services before Carman allegedly offered just 500 baht (around £11) after they reached his apartment, sparking an argument.
Police Investigation and Discovery
Police allege Carman later told investigators he "may have strangled her, causing her to lose consciousness and eventually die" before "he panicked" and hid her body inside a suitcase. Colonel Srathongyoo said: "According to Simon's interrogation, Simon said he had strangled her until she was motionless, then brought her body into the bathroom. He didn't know what to do, so at that point he panicked, stuffed her body into the bag and kept it in the bathroom for about a day before taking it out to be disposed of."
CCTV later captured Carman leaving his hotel about 9.30pm that night, wheeling a large suitcase from the apartment before allegedly strapping it to the back of a red motorcycle. After Tunchanok's friend reported her missing, investigators discovered her body curled up inside the suitcase. Police said she had suffered facial injuries consistent with a violent assault, including swelling, bruising and blood around her mouth and nose.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Carman was later arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport while allegedly attempting to board a flight to Perth. He has denied murdering the teenager and claims he acted in self-defence, alleging she threatened him with a knife. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Speaking after her death, Tunchanok's parents said they were left "shocked and speechless". Her stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, told the ABC: "We never expected this. When they found her, we still hoped she was alive." Her father, Thongchai Donhomla, 46, described his daughter as helpful, kind and resourceful. He said: "My daughter had no mother, so whenever she wanted anything, she would find a way herself, and she always helped me too." Her mother added: "We were scared. We just hoped it wouldn't turn out the way we feared. Now our eyes are swollen from crying."
