Before her alleged murder, Thai teen Tunchanok Donhomla smiled through 'tough life'

The public may remember Tunchanok Donhomla for the tragic circumstances of her death, but her great-aunt, Mee Boonsert, recalls a "good kid" who "liked to smile" and was easy to care for as a baby. Ms. Boonsert helped raise the 17-year-old in Kalasin, north-east Thailand, remembering her as the "three-month-old baby she helped raise."

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I am just like a mother to her, she called me mum.

Tunchanok's body was found in a suitcase in Pattaya, nearly 500 kilometers from her hometown. Australian Simon Peter Carman, 45, was arrested and charged with murder, concealing a body, and taking a minor for sexual purposes. The investigation is in its early stages.

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She was an easy baby; she would drink any type of milk. We did not have much money to buy expensive formula milk.

In Kalasin, Tunchanok's father, Thongchai Donhomla, stated the family wants the legal process to proceed and will not accept compensation from the accused. "Even though I am poor, I will not trade my daughter's dignity for money," he said, emphasizing his love for his daughter. While the Thai legal system allows for compensation to reduce sentences, the family insists on upholding Tunchanok's dignity.

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the legal process to take its course

Her father described her as a "good kid" who had "an unfortunate life." He and her mother separated when Tunchanok was an infant. He spent time in jail when she was young, and she stayed with her great-aunt and other relatives. After his release, he tried to be a better father. Tunchanok, nicknamed "Cake," had a close network of extended family in Kalasin and visited her uncle, a monk, at a local monastery, helping with garden work.

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Even though I am poor, I will not trade my daughter's dignity for money.