Thai teen in Pattaya suitcase murder died of suffocation: Police

A 17-year-old Thai girl whose body was discovered in a suitcase in the resort city of Pattaya died from suffocation, police announced Wednesday. The grim discovery was made near a railway track in June.

Authorities have charged 45-year-old Australian man Simon Peter Carman with murder in connection with the girl's death. Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo stated that autopsy reports confirmed suffocation as the cause of death. "We will add the cause of the death into our investigation reports, and hope we can submit a case to state prosecutors by this Friday," he added.

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We received the autopsy reports from the doctor yesterday that she died of suffocation.

Carman was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 26 as he was preparing to leave the country. The victim's friend had reported her missing, prompting the investigation. CCTV footage reportedly shows Carman entering a condominium with the girl on the early morning of June 25 and leaving later that evening carrying a large black suitcase. He allegedly transported the suitcase via motorcycle to the location where it was found.

Police found the victim's body inside the suitcase, which showed signs of violence. Pattaya, a popular destination for foreign tourists, is known for its beaches and nightlife, but has also faced scrutiny regarding sex tourism.

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We will add the cause of the death into our investigation reports, and hope we can submit a case to state prosecutors by this Friday.