World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Australian accused of killing Thai teen signals guilty plea to concealing her body
A Thai court in Pattaya held a procedural hearing in the case of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, whose body was found in a suitcase near the city.
Australian Simon Peter Carman was arrested in June after Tunchanok was reported missing.
He is charged with murder, two counts of indecent behavior involving a minor, and concealing a corpse.
Carman initially denied the charges and said he acted in self-defense, but at the hearing he indicated he would plead guilty to concealing the body.
The judge said the evidence on that charge was strong and that a confession could bring leniency.
A conviction for premeditated murder could carry the death penalty, and Tunchanok’s family says it wants the court to impose that punishment.
The family has also filed a civil case seeking 1.65 million baht in damages.
Simon Peter Carman indicated he would plead guilty to concealing the body of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, according to a court hearing in Pattaya.
He had initially denied all charges and said he acted in self-defense.
The judge said the evidence against him on the corpse-concealment charge was strong and that he could expect leniency if he confessed to it.
Carman is also charged with murder and two counts of indecent behavior involving a minor.
Tunchanok’s family wants the court to impose the death penalty if he is convicted.
- Who
- Simon Peter Carman, an Australian man, is accused of killing 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla.
- What
- He indicated he would change his plea to guilty on the charge of concealing her body. He faces other charges, including murder.
- When
- At a procedural court hearing on Monday; the article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Pattaya Provincial Court in Pattaya, Thailand.
- Why
- The judge said the evidence against Carman on the corpse-concealment charge was strong and that he could expect leniency if he confessed.
Tunchanok Donhomla’s family
Simon Peter Carman
Self-defense claim
Tunchanok Donhomla’s family
Her father rejected Carman’s claim that he acted in self-defense, pointing to the injuries to his daughter.
Simon Peter Carman
Carman said he was defending himself because Tunchanok threatened him with a knife.
Sentence sought
Tunchanok Donhomla’s family
The family wants the court to impose the death penalty.
Simon Peter Carman
Not stated.
I was defending myself because the girl was threatening me with a knife.
I want the death penalty, but there is nothing I can do. I want the law to punish, to the fullest,
We want to meet the person who killed our family member,
Carman was arrested after Tunchanok was reported missing in Pattaya.
A suitcase containing Tunchanok’s body was found near railway tracks in a deserted area.
Tunchanok’s family filed a civil case against Carman, seeking 1.65 million baht in damages.
At a procedural hearing, Carman indicated he would change his plea to guilty on the charge of concealing the body.
- Victim
- Tunchanok Donhomla, 17
- Accused
- Simon Peter Carman, Australian
- Court
- Pattaya Provincial Court, Thailand
- Charges
- Murder, two counts of indecent behavior involving a minor, and concealing a corpse
- Civil damages sought
- 1.65 million baht ($49,000)
Sources
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