The grieving parents of a 17-year-old Thai girl whose body was allegedly stuffed inside a suitcase by an Australian man have spoken publicly about their heartbreak, saying they will never forgive the suspect.
The victim, identified as Tunchanok Donhomla, was found dead in Pattaya after she was reported missing. Thai authorities later arrested a 45-year-old Australian man, identified as Simon Carman, in connection with the case.
The shocking incident has drawn widespread attention across Thailand, with many expressing sympathy for the teenager’s family and outrage over the circumstances surrounding her death.
Family Held Onto Hope Until The End
According to reports, Tunchanok had travelled from Kalasin province to Pattaya on June 16 together with a 19-year-old friend. It was reportedly her first visit to the popular tourist destination.
Her family described her as a hardworking and caring teenager who regularly helped support the household and stayed out of trouble.
Throughout her trip, she remained in contact with family members. However, concern began to grow after she stopped responding following her last message sent at around 5.12pm on June 25.
After being unable to reach her, her friend eventually reported her missing.
Parents Devastated By Discovery
Tunchanok’s stepmother recalled the emotional journey from Kalasin to Pattaya after learning that the teenager had disappeared.
As news emerged that police were searching for a foreign suspect who had allegedly been seen wheeling a suitcase out of a building, the family desperately hoped that their daughter was still alive.
They reportedly refused to believe that she could be the person inside the suitcase being sought by investigators.
That hope was shattered when authorities confirmed the victim’s identity.
According to local reports, the family was so overwhelmed by grief that they stopped their vehicle by the roadside and broke down in tears after receiving the devastating news.
Australian Suspect Arrested At Airport
Thai police arrested the Australian suspect on June 26 at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok as he was allegedly preparing to leave the country.
Authorities believe he was among the last people seen with the teenager before her disappearance.
The suspect is currently being investigated in connection with the case, while police continue gathering evidence surrounding the teenager’s death.
Suspect Offers Apology
A video released by local police showed the Australian man speaking to the victim’s family following his arrest.
In the footage, he apologised and claimed the teenager’s death was “out of my control”.
He also acknowledged the family’s grief and said he felt sorry for what had happened before declining to comment further.
The remarks have sparked anger among many online, with some questioning the suspect’s explanation and calling for justice for the teenager.
As investigations continue, Tunchanok’s family is preparing to lay their daughter to rest while seeking answers over the circumstances that led to her tragic death.