Australian Man Accused of Teenage Girl’s Murder Appears in Thailand Court
BANGKOK, Thailand — September 18, 2026

An Australian man accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai girl appeared before a court in Thailand on Friday and pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and concealment of a body.

Simon Peter Carman, 45, was arrested in June after the teenager, Tunchanok Donhomla, was reported missing in Pattaya, a popular tourist city southeast of Bangkok. Her body was later discovered inside a suitcase near a railway line.

Carman Denies All Charges
Carman appeared before the Pattaya Provincial Court for the first time since his arrest. Prosecutors have charged him with intentional murder, concealing and moving a body, and offenses involving a minor.

According to the court, Carman denied the allegations and told authorities that he had acted in self-defense. He also said he did not know the girl’s real age.

His request for bail was rejected after prosecutors argued that he presented a flight risk. Carman remains in custody at Pattaya Remand Prison.

Police Investigation
Thai police allege that CCTV footage showed Tunchanok entering a condominium with Carman before he was later seen leaving alone with a large suitcase.

Police said Carman subsequently transported the suitcase by motorcycle to an area near railway tracks. He was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as he was preparing to board a flight to Australia.

Police have also said the teenager’s body was found inside the suitcase after Carman was questioned following his arrest.

Carman has maintained that he acted in self-defense, while the allegations remain subject to court proceedings.

Next Court Hearing
The Pattaya Provincial Court has scheduled a hearing for October 12 to examine evidence in the case.

If convicted of premeditated murder under Thai law, Carman could face a sentence ranging up to the death penalty. He remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sources
Associated Press – Australian man accused of teenage girl’s murder pleads not guilty in Thailand
ABC News Australia – Simon Carman denied bail in Thailand murder case
ABC News Australia – Australian man arrested after teenage girl’s body found in suitcase