Simon Peter Carman, the 45-year-old Perth man charged with the murder of a 17-year-old Thai girl, was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport late Friday, reportedly minutes before boarding a Jetstar flight to Perth. The arrest came after the body of Tunchanok Donhomla was found dumped inside a black suitcase near railway tracks, about a 10-minute drive from Carman's hotel.
Arrest and Charges
Thai immigration officers detained Carman after Pattaya City Police issued a “watch notice” amid fears he might flee the country. He faces charges of murder, moving or destroying a body, concealment of a body, and taking a child aged between 15 and 18 for sexual purposes. The charges followed the discovery of the naked body of the teenager, who had been reported missing.
Disturbing Details Emerge
Investigators tracked Tunchanok's final movements to Carman's hotel, where she was allegedly seen being led by the hand into an elevator early Thursday. Local media reported she had been engaged for sexual services. Footage from the hotel showed Carman leaving alone later that evening, pulling a suitcase. Police later found the body partially covered in clothing similar to what the girl was wearing in the footage.
Background of the Accused
Carman was born in Ballarat but grew up in Jerramungup, 440 km southeast of Perth, before moving with his family to Albany. He also lived in Rockingham and worked as a mechanic. Records show he previously resided in Perth's southern suburb of Casuarina for several years. A woman answering the door at a Casuarina property listed in Carman's name said he no longer lived there but still received mail; she was unaware of the allegations.
Community Reaction
Former neighbours expressed shock. A Casuarina resident named Shelley, who did not want her surname used, said she was “really shocked” after previously meeting Carman. The case has made international headlines, drawing attention to the distressing nature of the crime.
