In brief
A 17‑year‑old girl was found dead in a suitcase near a railway line in Pattaya, Thailand. Police confirmed suffocation as the cause of death and matched DNA found on the body to an Australian suspect, Simon Peter Carman, who was arrested earlier that day. Carman faces charges of murder, concealment of a body and kidnapping, and could be sentenced to the death penalty if convicted. CCTV footage and an alleged sexual transaction add to the evidence in the case. The victim’s family has expressed profound grief and calls for justice.
A 17‑year‑old girl was discovered dead in a suitcase near a railway track in Pattaya. Authorities confirmed the cause of death was suffocation.
Police had arrested a 45‑year‑old Australian man, Simon Peter Carman, on the same night, shortly before the body was found. The suspect was alleged to have prepared to flee the country.
An autopsy showed the girl died from suffocation; the brain injury was deemed incidental. DNA recovered from the body matched Carman, suggesting it was deposited when the suitcase was closed.
Police are charging Carman with murder, concealment, kidnapping a child and an indecent act. He initially confesses to taking the girl out but claims it was in self‑defence. He also reported a dispute over payment for sexual services, offering 500 baht after the girl negotiated 1,000 baht.
CCTV footage shows Carman and the girl entering a condominium at 03:34 and leaving alone with a large suitcase. The suspect is expected to be presented to prosecutors by Friday, with an indictment deadline of 18 September.
The girl’s family, who resides in Kalasin province, expressed deep sorrow. Her father said his daughter was independent and supportive. The step‑mother wants justice, vowing to seek execution if Carman is convicted, which could mean the death penalty in Thailand.
