Pattaya, Thailand
Thai police have arrested a 46-year-old Australian man identified as Simon Peter Carman at Suvarnabhumi International Airport as he allegedly tried to flee the country, in connection with the death of a 17-year-old Thai girl whose body was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase and dumped beside railway tracks in Pattaya. After initially denying involvement he has now reportedly confessed to the deed, but is claiming self defense.
The arrest, announced on June 27th, 2026, follows the grim discovery of the victim’s body late on June 26th. Authorities say CCTV footage and other evidence strongly link the suspect to the case.
The victim has been identified as “Miss T”, a 17-year-old from Kalasin province. She went missing after entering a condominium on Jomtien Second Road with the suspect around 3:34 a.m. on June 25th.
CCTV footage shows the pair holding hands as they entered the building and went to Room 20 on the 15th floor. The teenager was not seen leaving alive. Cameras later captured Carman dragging a large black suitcase out of the condominium, loading it onto a red Yamaha Aerox motorcycle, and riding toward Soi Chaiyapruk 2 near the railway tracks. He returned roughly nine minutes later without the suitcase.
Friends reported the girl missing after more than 24 hours without contact. Police searched the condominium, noting signs of a struggle in the room. Following the motorcycle’s route via CCTV, officers located the suitcase hidden in grassy undergrowth about 4.2 km away beside the railway tracks. Inside, rescue workers found the curled body of the young woman, partially covered by a cloth. She showed visible injuries including facial swelling, bruising, and blood from the mouth and nose, consistent with a violent assault. She had reportedly been dead for over a day. Tattoos and other features confirmed her identity.
During interrogation at Pattaya City Police Station, Carman, who had visible scratch marks on his neck and arms, initially denied involvement but later provided a statement after being confronted with evidence.
According to police reports, he claimed he met the girl on Pattaya Beach around 3 a.m. on June 25 and invited her back to his long-term rented condo. Once inside, she allegedly received a phone call, said she was on her period and wouldn’t sleep with him, wanted to leave, and initially asked for 500 baht in compensation. He said she then demanded more money, leading to a heated argument.
Carman alleged that she grabbed a kitchen knife and pointed it at his neck. In the ensuing struggle, he said he used his right hand to choke her neck while grabbing her knife-wielding hand with his left, after which she became still. He insisted he had no intention to kill her and acted only in self-defense.
He reportedly kept the body in the room for more than a day before deciding to dispose of it in the suitcase. He then packed his belongings and headed to the airport. Police have reportedly viewed his claims of self defense skeptically due to his actions of hiding and disposing of the body and trying to flee versus report the incident.
Police have charged Carman with multiple serious offenses: intentional murder, concealing or disposing of a body, and abducting/taking a minor (aged over 15 but under 18) for indecent purposes. He was remanded in custody by Pattaya Provincial Court for further investigation.
Forensic examinations, including autopsy results from the Police General Hospital, and additional witness statements are ongoing. Pattaya police chief Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu has stated that investigators are building a strong case.
The case has shocked the local community in Pattaya, a popular tourist destination, and raised concerns among residents and expatriates. It comes amid broader discussions in Thai media about safety for young women and interactions involving foreign visitors.
This is a developing story, with more details expected as the investigation proceeds.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
