Simon Carman: Victorian man arrested at Thailand airport after girl’s body found inside suitcase
An Australian man has been arrested after the body of a young girl was found inside a suitcase in Thailand.
Simon Carman, 45, was detained at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Friday night. ABC reports.
The victim, identified as 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, was reported missing by his friends after he did not return home.
Investigators allege Mr Carman, from Ballarat, Victoria, picked up Ms Donhomla from the Beach Road vise in Pattaya in the early hours of Thursday morning.
CCTV footage released by Thai authorities showed the 45-year-old Australian entering a hotel room with Ms Donhomla and emerging hours later with a black bag.
After the teenager was reported missing, authorities found his body inside a suitcase about 2.5 miles from the hotel.
Pattaya City Police Station Chief Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyu said Mr. Carman was initially accused of “taking a minor with the intent to commit an inappropriate act.”
“We believe he killed her and he is being questioned on suspicion of murder,” he said.
“There are nail scratches on her body consistent with a struggle but he denies killing her.
“He said he disappeared from the room while he was asleep and unaware of anything.”
The man claims his innocence, according to local media reports.
He was not charged with murder.
The investigation into the young man’s death continues.
