Teen’s Suitcase Killing Draws Attention to Pattaya’s Illegal Sex Trade

Teen’s Suitcase Killing Draws Attention to Dangers Around Pattaya’s Illegal Sex Trade

Australian man Simon Carman, 45, has pleaded not guilty to murder of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla among other charges and remains in custody after being denied bail over concerns he could flee Thailand. Tunchanok, known as Cake, had travelled nearly 600 kilometres from Kalasin to Pattaya after telling her family she was taking a short holiday, while a former teacher said she had worked to help support her family while trying to finish school. The case has also drawn attention to Pattaya’s enormous nightlife economy, where prostitution remains illegal despite the industry maintaining a highly visible presence in the tourist city. Sex workers interviewed about the industry described the threat of violence and unpredictable clients, while Pattaya police maintained that the city remains safe and said foreigners are involved in nearly one-third of local criminal incidents.