Australian Man Accused of Killing Thai Teen Maintains Self-Defence Claim

The dєatᩚh of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, known as “Nong Cake,” has returned to the spotlight after 45-year-old Australian national Simon Peter Carman gave an exclusive interview to ABC Australia from Pattaya Remand Prison, where he continued to maintain that he is innocent and that he acted in self-defence.

According to police reports, Nong Cake was found dead inside a suitcase that had been abandoned near railway tracks in Pattaya. She was last seen on June 25. CCTV footage reportedly showed her entering Carman’s accommodation with him, followed later by footage of Carman taking a large suitcase out of the building and transporting it on a motorcycle.

Carman was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 27 while preparing to leave Thailand. He faces four charges, including murder, concealing and moving a body, and charges related to taking a minor for 𝘴єxual purposes.

But Carman has given a different account of what happened.

Speaking to ABC, he claimed that after meeting Nong Cake near Pattaya Beach Road, she returned to his accommodation with him.

Carman said he gave her 500 baht, but an argument over money later broke out. He alleged that Nong Cake pulled out a knife, prompting him to try to restrain her to prevent himself from being stabbed.

He insists that he did not intend to kill her and said that during the struggle, Nong Cake “went limp” before she died.

When asked why he did not call an ambulance or contact the police, Carman said that he did not trust the police.

He also claimed that he did not know Nong Cake was 17 years old and believed she was between 25 and 35.

However, Thai police said the autopsy found that Nong Cake died from asphyxiation and suffered a brain injury. Police also said DNA belonging to Carman was found on the victim’s body.

Nong Cake’s family has rejected the self-defence claim and called for the maximum punishment if Carman is found guilty by the court.

Police in Pattaya have reportedly completed their investigation and are preparing to submit the case to prosecutors. Prosecutors have until September 18, 2026, to proceed with the case.

Carman continues to deny all four charges, and the case remains before the judicial process.

Note: The self-defence account is Carman’s own claim. The facts of the case and his criminal liability have yet to be determined by the court.