Thai police reveal teenager's cause of death as investigation nears end

Thai police have concluded that a teenager, allegedly murdered by an Australian citizen, died from suffocation. The autopsy report for 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, affectionately known as "Cake," revealed a brain injury and suffocation as the cause of death, with no other injuries detected.

“

The autopsy report said that Cake had a brain injury and she suffocated. She had no other injuries.

Simon Carman, a 45-year-old Australian, has been in Thai custody since late June after his arrest at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Police allege he picked up Ms. Donhomla near Pattaya Beach in the early hours of June 25. Her naked body was discovered two days later, concealed in a suitcase near railway tracks, a short distance from Mr. Carman's accommodation.

Colonel Anek Srathongyoo, Superintendent at the Pattaya City Police Station, stated the investigation is close to completion. "I think by this Friday we will conclude our investigation and submit the files to the prosecutor," he told the ABC, adding that prosecutors have until September 18 to indict Mr. Carman. "I think we have collected 100 per cent of the evidence. Once it is brought before the court, the court can consider imposing a sentence quickly."

“

I think by this Friday we will conclude our investigation and submit the files to the prosecutor.

DNA evidence collected from Mr. Carman has been matched to DNA found on Ms. Donhomla's body. Police have retraced the victim's last moments to the hotel room she entered with Mr. Carman. The accused initially faced charges of "taking a minor for the purpose of committing an indecent act" and is now being questioned on suspicion of murder. He has denied killing her, claiming she disappeared from the room while he was asleep and that he acted in self-defense, alleging Ms. Donhomla threatened him with a knife. Mr. Carman faces four charges, including moving a body, taking a minor for sexual purposes, and murder, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

“

I think we have collected 100 per cent of the evidence. Once it is brought before the court, the court can consider imposing a sentence quickly.

Ms. Donhomla's father, Thongchai Donhomla, expressed relief at the progress in the case. "I don't have the legal knowledge or the money to pursue all these proceedings myself, so I have to rely on the media," he said. "I don't ask for much. I just hope my child gets the justice she deserves."

“

I don't have the legal knowledge or the money to pursue all these proceedings myself, so I have to rely on the media. I don't ask for much. I just hope my child gets the justice she deserves.