Thai police have arrested a 46-year-old Australian tourist on suspicion of murdering a 17-year-old girl and transporting her body. The incident, which has sparked widespread reaction in Thailand, occurred on Thursday, 4 July, in the city of Pattaya.
According to media reports, the suspect is “Simon P. K.”, an Australian national, and the victim is “Tunchanok D.”, a 17-year-old Thai teenager known as “Nong Kik.”
Police said CCTV footage shows the suspect and the victim entering a rented apartment at around 3:34 a.m., but the girl was never seen leaving the building.
A few hours later, cameras captured the suspect leaving the building carrying a large black suitcase. He then departed the area on a motorcycle.
Roughly 24 hours after the girl was reported missing by her friends, police reviewed CCTV footage and traced the suspect’s movements, launching a search operation. The victim’s body was later discovered inside the same suitcase in a forested area near the Pattaya Floating Market.
Police stated that the crime scene showed signs of a violent struggle and bloodstains inside the room, with evidence indicating that the victim resisted supporting the suspicion of premeditated murder.
The suspect was arrested less than 24 hours after the incident at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok while attempting to leave Thailand.
Police also reported scratch marks on the suspect’s neck and arms, consistent with the victim’s resistance.
Initially, the suspect denied any involvement, claiming the girl had left the room while he was asleep. However, his account reportedly changed during further questioning.
Some media reports allege that the altercation began over a dispute involving 500 baht (approximately USD 16). These reports also claim that the suspect and the victim had previously agreed on sexual services for 1,000 baht (approximately USD 33), but a disagreement arose over payment after entering the room.
However, Thai police have emphasized that this version of events has not yet been officially confirmed.
The suspect currently faces three charges: premeditated murder, concealment of a body, and obstruction of evidence. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.The investigation is ongoing.
Writer:Sali Aryaei
