An Australian man accused of killing a 17-year-old Thai girl has spoken publicly about the case from a prison in Thailand. Simon Peter Carman, 45, is facing four charges. They include murder, moving a body and taking a minor for sexual purposes. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Carman told the officials that he had acted in self-defence. He claimed the teenager, Tunchanok Donhomla, attacked him with a knife during an argument about money. He said he tried to stop her and believed she was going to stab him. According to Carman, the struggle continued until she became unresponsive.
He said he was frightened and did not contact police or emergency services. He claimed he did not trust the police and was unsure what to do. Carman also said he did not know Tunchanok was 17. He claimed he believed she was much older.
The teenager, known as “Cake”, was last seen alive on June 25. CCTV reportedly showed her entering Carman’s accommodation with him in the early hours of the morning. Later that night, Carman was allegedly filmed leaving the building with a black suitcase. Police say the teenager’s remains were later discovered near railway tracks.
Carman was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 26. He was preparing to board a Jetstar flight to Perth when authorities detained him.
He remains in Pattaya Remand Prison. He tells the officials that he wants to be released and insists he has done nothing wrong.
However, investigators say evidence from the case raises serious questions. An autopsy found that Tunchanok died from suffocation and had suffered a brain injury. Police also said Carman’s DNA was found on the teenager’s body.
The case is now moving toward the next stage of the legal process. Thai authorities are preparing to give prosecutors the evidence collected during the investigation.
Tunchanok’s father, Thongchai Donhomla, said he was relieved that investigators had made progress. He said he does not have the money or legal knowledge to handle the case himself. He hopes the legal process will bring justice for his daughter. Carman remains in custody while the case continues. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.
