Latest Update: Thai Police Expand Investigation After Teen Found Dead in Suitcase in Pattaya

As of June 30, 2026, Thai police are widening their investigation into the death of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, whose body was found inside a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya.

The main suspect, Australian man Simon Peter Carman, remains in custody after being charged with premeditated murder and concealment of a body. According to  Carman was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport before boarding a flight to Perth, Australia. He denies all charges and has been provided legal representation.

The newest development is that Thai police are now checking whether Carman could be linked to two other unsolved cases in the region. According to , authorities said there is currently no evidence directly connecting him to those cases, but investigators are looking again because of similarities in how the victims were found.

Police say CCTV footage remains a key part of the case. Investigators allege that Tunchanok was seen entering Carman’s rented condo in Jomtien Beach with him in the early hours of Thursday. Later footage reportedly showed Carman leaving the building alone with a large suitcase, placing it on a motorbike, and traveling toward a deserted area near railway tracks. He was later seen returning without the suitcase.

The Guardian also reported that an initial medical examination suggested Tunchanok may have died from suffocation, with police saying there were no clear signs she had been beaten. Authorities are still gathering forensic evidence and reviewing the suspect’s statements.

Carman reportedly first told police that Tunchanok left the room while he was asleep. Police later alleged that after being confronted with evidence about the suitcase, he gave another account involving an argument. AP reported that in a police interview video, Carman claimed the girl threatened him with a knife and that he was trying to calm her down while giving her money.

Tunchanok, whose nickname was reportedly Cake, had recently arrived in Pattaya from Kalasin Province. Her family has taken her body back home as they mourn and demand justice.

A court date has not yet been confirmed. If convicted of premeditated murder in Thailand, Carman could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. For now, the case remains under active investigation, with Thai police focusing on CCTV footage, forensic results, Carman’s timeline, and any possible connection to older unsolved cases.