Thai authorities have arrested an Australian man following the discovery of the body of a 17-year-old Thai girl concealed inside a suitcase in Pattaya, in a case that has shocked the country.
The suspect, identified by multiple media outlets as Simon Carman, was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport while allegedly attempting to leave Thailand for Australia. Investigators believe he was trying to board a flight to Perth when he was taken into custody.
According to police, CCTV footage showed the teenager entering a hotel with the suspect in the early hours of Thursday. However, later footage reportedly captured the man leaving the hotel alone while carrying a large black suitcase.
The teenager was reported missing by her friends before her body was discovered inside the suitcase near a railway line, a short distance from the hotel where the suspect had been staying.
Authorities said the suspect had visible scratch marks on his body, which investigators believe may indicate a struggle. He has denied murdering the teenager, claiming she left his room while he was asleep.
Thai police are continuing their investigation while awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination and other forensic evidence. Officials say the suspect could face charges including murder, concealing a body, and offences relating to a minor.
If convicted of murder under Thai law, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Welcome to KjtsonBlog, your trusted source for Nigerian celebrity news, Naija entertainment updates, and trending news in Nigeria. Stay connected to the latest gist, events, and stories across Naija and worldwide.