Australian truck driver Simon Carman has offered police his version of the events leading up to the death of 17-year-old Tunchanok “Cake” Donhomla, a story investigators are now examining alongside surveillance footage, forensic evidence and witness testimony as they continue building their case.
The 45-year-old Australian, who has been charged over the teenager’s death, has not entered a plea. His account has not been tested in court, and prosecutors continue investigating whether it is consistent with the evidence collected.
The Daily Mail has spoken with a Thai source familiar with the investigation, who outlined the timeline Carman allegedly provided to police—from his late-night walk along Pattaya’s waterfront to the moment he claims he realized the teenager was no longer breathing.
A chance encounter on Jomtien Beach
The evening began in the early hours along Jomtien Beach, a popular coastal area just outside Pattaya that attracts families during the day but takes on a different atmosphere after dark.
As restaurants close and nightlife gathers pace, the beachfront becomes a meeting point for tourists and people offering adult services.
It was here, according to investigators, that Carman and 17-year-old Tunchanok first crossed paths.
Some reports have suggested Carman had been drinking at a nearby bar and was returning home after another woman rejected him.
However, according to the account he allegedly gave investigators, he had simply been taking one of his regular late-night walks.
As he passed the local night market, Carman claims Tunchanok approached him alongside two transgender companions, offering sexual services.
According to his statement, he declined and said he wanted to continue walking alone. He nevertheless claims the teenager linked arms with him and continued accompanying him toward his apartment.
CCTV captures them entering the building
Security cameras later recorded the pair arriving at Carman’s condominium building.
At 3:34 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, CCTV footage allegedly shows the two walking through the lobby, passing the overnight security guard and entering the elevator together.
Investigators say Tunchanok later messaged friends to let them know she had safely arrived at the apartment.
Those messages are among the pieces of digital evidence authorities are reviewing as they reconstruct the timeline.
What investigators found inside the apartment
The apartment itself presented investigators with an unexpected scene.
Rather than an upscale condominium, police encountered a cramped unit filled with personal belongings, paperwork, toiletries and numerous empty alcohol bottles scattered throughout the rooms.
Laundry baskets and cosmetic bags were also found across the floor.
Among the more unusual discoveries, investigators photographed a plastic storage container reportedly filled with women’s underwear alongside a small clutch purse.
Authorities have not publicly explained the significance of those items, and it remains unclear why they were inside the apartment.
Translation app allegedly used during conversation
According to Carman’s account, he and Tunchanok initially sat together on the edge of a wooden bed before discussing payment.
Because he allegedly spoke no Thai and the teenager had only limited English, he told police they relied on Google Translate to communicate.
Carman claims the discussion broke down after Tunchanok allegedly decided she wanted to leave and requested 500 baht—about AU$22.
The knife claim
The next part of Carman’s statement forms one of the central issues investigators are examining.
He allegedly told police that while opening his wallet—which he says contained around 20,000 baht in cash—the teenager suddenly produced a folding knife, held it near his throat and demanded the money.
According to his account, he grabbed her wrists before placing his hands around her neck during the struggle.
Investigators are expected to closely examine that claim as part of the legal proceedings.
The alleged knife forms a key element of Carman’s explanation to police and could become an important issue as the case moves through court.
Why he says he didn’t call police
Carman allegedly told investigators that, even while restraining the teenager, contacting police never crossed his mind.
According to the source familiar with the investigation, he claimed he distrusted Thai authorities after previously being caught drink-driving on three occasions.
He allegedly feared officers would focus on the teenager’s presence inside his apartment and that he could face additional legal consequences.
Investigators are also examining Carman’s immigration status.
Authorities say he was living in Thailand on a student visa, a type of visa sometimes used by foreign nationals to remain in the country for extended periods.
There is no public evidence indicating whether he was actively attending classes at the time of his arrest.
He claims he realized it was too late
According to his statement, the struggle eventually stopped when Tunchanok became unresponsive.
Carman allegedly told investigators he had not realized how much force he had used.
As part of his explanation, he claimed he had forgotten to take medication prescribed for a neurological condition, which he says can affect his judgment.
Only after the teenager was no longer moving, speaking or breathing, he allegedly realized she had died.
What investigators say happened next
Prosecutors allege the events that followed became a major focus of the investigation.
Authorities claim the teenager’s body was later placed inside a 29-inch suitcase inside the apartment.
Investigators also allege that a knife was left on top of the refrigerator before Carman remained inside the apartment until police later began investigating the case.
Detectives continue comparing Carman’s account with CCTV footage, forensic findings, digital evidence and witness statements as they seek to determine exactly what happened during the final hours before the teenager’s death.
Carman remains charged in connection with the case. As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations against him have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.