Father of Thai teenager responds after Aussie accused of her murder gives update from jail
The Australian man accused of murdering a teenager in Thailand has made a startling claim in a jailhouse interview, prompting the victim’s family to respond.
The family of a Thai teenager whose remains were found in a suitcase has responded after the Australian man accused of murdering her shared a startling update about his case.
Simon Peter Carman was charged with murdering Tunchanok Donhomla at his Thai condo flat in June and now faces life in prison or the death penalty.
In a new interview with ABC’s Foreign Correspondent, Mr Carman said he acted in self-defence to stop Ms Donhomla from stabbing him.
“I’m hoping and praying that I get released,” the 45-year-old said from a private visitors’ room at Pattaya Remand Prison.
“I have not done anything wrong. I shouldn’t be here… I don’t understand what’s going on.”
In a new interview, Mr Carman claimed he acted in self defence. ABC/Foreign Correspondent
Mr Carman is being held at Pattaya Remand Prison in Thailand. Picture: Anthony Wallace / AFP
Ms Donhomla’s body was found two days after she was last seen on CCTV meeting with Mr Carman at the Jomtien Condominium apartment blocks, with the Australian later allegedly seen wheeling a suitcase through the lobby.
Mr Carman claimed he was innocent and did not intend to kill the teen.
“I feel deeply sad. I obviously wish it never happened, but it was unavoidable,” he said.
“All I was trying to do was restrain her from stabbing me.”
Family of murdered teen doesn’t want apology
Ms Donhomla’s father has since responded to Mr Carman’s comments, saying he wants to hear the Australian take responsibility.
“I don’t want to hear his apology. If he is truly a man, then if he has done something, he should have the courage to accept responsibility for it,” Thongchai Donhomla told 7News.
“I want to oppose (Mr Carman’s) release on bail,” Mr Donhomla added, “I have already lost my child.”
Tunchanok Donhomla, 17, is believed to have been murdered and stuffed into a suitcase. Picture: Facebook
The ABC’s interview with Mr Carman was permitted on the condition prison officials could review the footage for security reasons and that prison conditions were not discussed. The interview was carried out with Mr Carman’s consent and under the supervision of a prison guard.
Mr Carman, 45, was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 26 as he prepared to board a Jetstar flight to Perth, after authorities investigating Ms Donhomla’s disappearance issued a watch notice for the Australian man.
He has since been charged with four offences, including murder, moving a body and taking a minor for sexual purposes.
“I pled not guilty, and I remain not guilty of all four charges,” Mr Carman said.
Mr Carman said he didn’t have a lawyer and had not received any visitors other than Australian embassy staff.
Ms Donhomla, affectionately known as “Cake”, was last seen alive on June 25.
CCTV footage captured the pair walking from the Pattaya beachfront, a well-known area frequented by sex workers, and entering the foyer of his accommodation and holding hands about 3.30am on Thursday, June 25.
Police believe the teen was killed just 30 minutes later, at 4am.
At about 9pm, Mr Carman was allegedly seen on CCTV leaving the building alone with a black suitcase, which he transported by motorbike.
Ms Donhomla’s remains were found near railway tracks about 10 minutes from the apartment block.
Mr Carman said he “obviously wish it never happened, but it was unavoidable”. Picture: The Pattaya News
Mr Carman told Foreign Correspondent he first met Ms Donhomla on the street where she was accompanied by two friends. He said the 17-year-old followed him back to his accommodation.
When confronted with CCTV footage of them entering the building holding hands, Mr Carman said: “I cannot remember that, but if it was hand-in-hand, I believe you.”
He also said he did not know Ms Donhomla was a minor at the time and thought she was in her mid-20s or 30s.
The Victorian-raised man claimed he had acted in self-defence in an argument over payment, with the pair having agreed on 1000 baht ($43) before he instead offered 500 baht ($21).
Mr Carman claimed when Ms Donhomla entered his room he “gave ($21) … for nothing. And she wanted more money and then she pulled a knife.”
He claimed to have repeatedly told her to put the knife down during a physical struggle and that eventually “she went limp”.
Mr Carman suggested he was too scared to call anyone, including an ambulance, and said he “didn’t trust the police”.
Autopsy results
Authorities have now released the results of an autopsy in an interview with the ABC as police prepare to hand over all of the evidence to prosecutors.
The report found Ms Donhomla died from suffocation and suffered a brain injury.
Pattaya Police Colonel Anek Srathongyoo said they found Mr Carman’s DNA on the teen’s body.
Ms Tunchanok’s father, Thongchai Donhomla, told the ABC this week he was “relieved” to hear police had made progress in the investigation.
“I don’t have the legal knowledge or the money to pursue all these proceedings myself, so I have to rely on the media,” he said.
“I don’t ask for much. I just hope my child gets the justice she deserves.”
