Thailand: Body of 17-year-old girl found in suitcase, Australian citizen arrested
Suspense Crime, Digital Desk : Thai police have arrested a 46-year-old Australian man after the body of a 17-year-old Thai girl was found inside a suitcase in Pattaya, a resort city in Thailand. According to media reports, the suspect was caught while trying to flee Thailand.
The arrest took place at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday. The suspect, Simon Carmen, 46, was trying to catch a flight to Perth, Australia. He was detained in a joint operation by immigration officials and Pattaya police.
A Pattaya police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the suspect has denied any involvement in the girl's abduction and murder. He is being rigorously interrogated. Police are awaiting the autopsy report and other scientific evidence before formally laying charges.
Secrets revealed through CCTV footage
CCTV footage has emerged as a key clue in the police investigation. According to reports, the suspect and the 17-year-old victim were captured on camera entering an apartment building in Pattaya early Thursday morning (around 3:30 a.m.).
Several hours later, another CCTV camera captured the suspect leaving the building alone, carrying a large black suitcase. He reportedly tied the suitcase to the back of a motorcycle and left. He remained out of CCTV coverage for approximately nine minutes, and when he returned to the hotel, the suitcase was gone.
Dead body found near railway track
The girl's friends reported her missing on Friday, prompting police to launch a search. On Friday night, police found the same black suitcase abandoned near a railway track. Upon opening the suitcase, the naked body of the teenager was found inside.
According to police, the victim had severe facial injuries and was bleeding from her mouth and nose, indicating violence and a struggle. Police Superintendent Colonel Aneck Sarthongyu said the suspect, an Australian citizen, also had abrasions on his body, likely caused during a struggle.
Serious charges could be leveled
If the evidence against the suspect is strong, he could face a number of serious charges. According to police, these could include kidnapping, murder, concealment of a body, and abduction of a minor for sexual purposes.
A spokesperson for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed they were providing consular assistance to the Australian citizen detained in Thailand, but declined to provide details due to privacy rules.
It's worth noting that the Thai government recently significantly reduced the visa-free period for tourists. This move was made following several high-profile arrests of foreign nationals for drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and operating unlicensed businesses.
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