Simon Peter Carman
Simon Peter Carman was arrested after 17-year-old Tunchanok 'Cake' Donhomla was found dead in a suitcase in Pattaya

A 17-year-old Thai girl was found dead inside a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya after security footage showed her entering a condominium with an Australian man who was later arrested while allegedly trying to flee Thailand.

Tunchanok Donhomla, known as "Cake", disappeared on June 25 after meeting Simon Peter Carman, a 45-year-old Australian who had been living in Thailand.

Police said CCTV footage helped investigators trace the teenager's final movements and link Carman to the case, according to ABC News. Carman was arrested on June 26 at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Teen's Death Linked to Suffocation

An autopsy has provided further details about Tunchanok's death. Thai police said the examination found that the teenager had suffered a brain injury and died from suffocation. Investigators said no other significant injuries were identified.

Police also said DNA collected during the investigation was consistent with Carman's DNA and material recovered from the teenager. "We also collected Simon's (Carman's) DNA and matched it to DNA found on Cake's body," a statement from Thai police said.

Carman faces murder-related allegations, as well as charges involving the concealment or movement of a body and taking a minor for sexual purposes. He has denied the charges.

CCTV Traced Her Final Movements

Investigators said CCTV footage captured Tunchanok and Carman entering Jomtien Condominium in the early hours of June 25. The footage became a key part of the investigation after the teenager was reported missing by friends who became concerned when they could no longer contact her.

At about 9.43pm, footage allegedly showed Carman leaving the building with a large suitcase matching the one in which the teenager's body was later found.

Police said Carman placed the suitcase on a motorcycle and travelled towards an area near the railway tracks before returning to his hotel. The suitcase was later found near the tracks, with Tunchanok's body confirmed to be inside.

Australian Man Arrested

Carman was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport on June 26, shortly after police began investigating Tunchanok's disappearance. Authorities allege he was preparing to board a flight to Perth when he was intercepted and taken into custody.

Police have previously alleged that Carman acknowledged an altercation with the teenager but disputed the circumstances surrounding her death. Carman has maintained that he acted in self-defence, while investigators said evidence gathered during the case pointed to his involvement in her death. The allegations have not been tested in court.

Pattaya City Police Colonel Anek Srathongyoo said Carman had admitted strangling the victim, although he did not intend to kill her. "He stated that they had an argument and, during the altercation, he strangled the woman," he said.

Speaking to Reuters, Colonel Anek Srathongyoo said Carman could face 15 to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Tunchanok's family has called for justice following her death. Her father said he hoped the legal process would hold those responsible accountable, while relatives rejected Carman's account of what happened. The case remains under investigation by Thai authorities, and Carman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Originally published on IBTimes UK