CHONBURI — 27 June 2026 — Thai police have arrested a 46-year-old Australian man after the body of a 17-year-old girl was discovered inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks in Pattaya, in a case that has shocked the resort city.

The arrest follows a swift investigation triggered by a missing person report filed by the victim’s friend, who had lost contact with the teenager for more than 24 hours and feared she had come to harm.

According to police, CCTV footage showed the girl holding hands with the Australian suspect, identified as Simon, at 03:34 on 25 June 2026 as they entered a condominium on Jomtien Second Road. The pair proceeded to a room on the 15th floor, but the girl was never seen leaving the building.

Later that evening, at 21:34, another CCTV camera captured the suspect dragging a large black suitcase from the condominium and loading it onto a red Yamaha Aerox motorcycle. He then rode along Sukhumvit Road, turned into Soi Chaiyaphruek 2, and proceeded against traffic along a road beside the railway tracks.

On 26 June 2026, authorities located Simon at Suvarnabhumi Airport as he attempted to purchase a ticket back to Australia. He was detained by immigration officers. Police noted he had visible scratch marks on his neck and arms consistent with fingernail injuries. He denied any involvement in the girl’s disappearance.

That same night, at 23:17, investigators tracing the suspect’s route discovered a black 26-inch suitcase abandoned in the grass beside the railway tracks, approximately 4.2 kilometres from the condominium.

Rescue workers opened the suitcase and confirmed it contained a human body. Forensic officers later found the naked body of a young woman, covered with a brown cloth. The victim had severe facial injuries and signs of a violent assault. A forensic doctor estimated she had been dead for at least two days. Police confirmed that the body’s appearance and distinctive tattoos matched those of the missing 17-year-old.

The case has drawn significant attention in Pattaya, a popular tourist destination. Authorities are continuing their investigation, including forensic analysis and further review of CCTV evidence. The suspect remains in custody.