Arabic version: الشرطة التايلاندية تقول إن مراهقة توفيت اختناقاً

According to ABC News, Thai police say 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, known as “Cake”, died from suffocation. Pattaya City Police Station Superintendent Colonel Anek Srathongyoo said an autopsy found she had a brain injury and no other injuries.

Australian citizen Simon Carman, 45, has been accused of her murder and has been in Thai police custody since late June. Police allege he picked up Ms Tunchanok near Pattaya Beach in the early hours of June 25. Her naked body was found two days later inside a suitcase dumped near railway tracks, about a 10-minute drive from Mr Carman’s accommodation.

Colonel Anek said police collected Mr Carman’s DNA and matched it to DNA found on Ms Tunchanok’s body. He said investigators expected to conclude their work by Friday, August 21, and submit files to prosecutors, who had until September 18 to indict Mr Carman. Police said they had collected “100 per cent” of the evidence.

Mr Carman has been charged with four offences, including moving a body, taking a minor for sexual purposes and murder. Murder carries the death penalty or life in prison. Police said the pair argued about money, while Mr Carman reportedly told authorities he acted in self-defence and alleged Ms Tunchanok threatened him with a knife. A court date has not been announced.

Ms Tunchanok’s father, Thongchai Donhomla, said he was relieved there had been progress and hoped his daughter would receive justice. Mr Carman is being held at Pattaya Remand Prison awaiting trial. Prison officials said he had received no visitors except Australian embassy staff.