Chil-ling Twist in Thai Teen Murd3r Case as Autopsy Findings and DNA Evidence Raise New Questions
A teen girl allegedly murdered by an Australian man in Thailand died from suffocation, local police have revealed.
Thai police have shared details of the autopsy of 17-year-old Thanchanok Donhomla with the ABC, finding that asphyxiation resulted in her death.
The body of Thanchanok Donhomla was found stuffed in a suitcase in Thailand. Supplied
“The autopsy report said that Cake had a brain injury and she suffocated. She had no other injuries,” Police Colonel Anek Srathongyoo told the broadcaster.
Cake was Thanchanok’s nickname.
Thai authorities allege the teen was picked up by Australian man Simon Carman, 45, on June 25 in Pattaya.
Her naked body was found in a suitcase two days later.
Carman was arrested at an international airport in Bangkok and ultimately charged with Thanchanok’s murder.
He allegedly told authorities he had defended himself when she threatened him with a knife during an argument about money.
Colonel Srathongyoo claimed to the ABC that police had also matched Carman’s DNA to DNA found on Thanchanok’s body.
The police colonel said he believed the evidence could be handed over to the prosecutors by the end of the week.
“I think we have collected 100 per cent of the evidence,” he said.
Police have previously claimed Carman admitted to placing the girl’s body in the suitcase, though he has reportedly denied responsibility for her death.
Simon Carman has been charged with murder. Supplied
“I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control. I know you’ll be very sad, upset, same (as) me,” Carman said in a video message to the teen’s family, recorded in late June after his arrest.
“Please tell other girls … just to be careful.”
If convicted, Carman could face life in prison, or the death penalty.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade previously confirmed it was providing consular assistance.
