Australian denied bail in Pattaya murder case

Australian Simon Peter Carman, 45, has been denied bail by Pattaya Provincial Court after being charged over the death of Thai teenager Tunchanok Donhomla.

Carman, who denies all charges and says he acted in self-defence, made his first court appearance since his arrest in late June. Prosecutors opposed bail, arguing that he could attempt to leave Thailand if released.

He is charged with intentional murder, concealing a corpse, moving or destroying a corpse, and abducting a minor aged over 15 but under 18 for indecent purposes.

Prosecutors cite flight risk

Carman appeared before the court barefoot, with heavy chains on his ankles and handcuffs on his wrists. He asked to be released on bail, but the court rejected the application.

Prosecutors told the court he had been apprehended while preparing to flee Thailand and could try to do so again. Carman was arrested at Bangkok's international airport on June 27 while attempting to board a Jetstar flight to Perth.

Picture courtesy of ABC

He has been held at Pattaya Remand Prison since then.

Carman's lawyer, Sorasit Pongin, said he had been retained by the Australian's mother. "He denies all charges," the lawyer told ABC News.

Carman told the court he had been mistaken about Ms Tunchanok's age. He also maintained that he had acted in self-defence.

CCTV evidence to be examined

Ms Tunchanok, 17, was from Kalasin province. She was last seen alive on CCTV walking hand in hand with Carman into the lifts at his condominium building at about 3:30am on June 25.

Later that night, CCTV footage allegedly showed Carman dragging a large suitcase from his room before transporting it on the back of a motorcycle.

Police found Ms Tunchanok's body two days later inside a suitcase dumped beside railway tracks near Carman's accommodation.

The next court hearing is scheduled for October 12, when evidence submitted by both the prosecution and defence is expected to be examined. Mr Pongin said the case could take roughly six to eight months from Friday's hearing.

Two Australian consular representatives were allowed to speak with Carman during the hearing. Tears ran down his face during their meeting, while media reporting restrictions limited what could be reported from inside the court.

As he left the courthouse, Carman told reporters he had lost about 30 kilograms since being detained.

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18 September 2026