Pattaya court denies bail for Australian man in teen murder

CHONBURI — 18 September 2026, An Australian man accused of killing a 17-year-old girl and placing her body in a suitcase appeared before Pattaya Provincial Court on Thursday, where he denied all charges and sought temporary release.

The court held a hearing to protect the defendant’s rights and record his plea in criminal case No. T61/2026, brought by the Pattaya Provincial Public Prosecutor against Simon Peter Carman, an Australian national.

Carman is accused of killing the 17-year-old before placing her body inside a suitcase and leaving it beside a railway track in Pattaya.

The Pattaya Provincial Public Prosecutor charged him with intentional murder; secretly burying, concealing, moving or destroying a body to conceal the death or cause of death; taking a person aged over 15 but under 18 away from their parents, guardian or caretaker for sexual purposes with the minor’s consent; and taking a person aged over 15 but under 18 for sexual purposes even with their consent.

Carman appeared in court with a lawyer of his own choosing. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, citing self-defence and claiming that he had been mistaken about the victim’s age.

The defendant also indicated that he would apply for temporary release.

However, the Pattaya Provincial Public Prosecutor objected to bail, arguing that Carman had been arrested while preparing to leave the country. The prosecution said there was a risk he could flee if released.

After considering the circumstances, the court rejected the bail application and ordered that Carman remain in custody.

He was taken to prison immediately.

Pattaya Provincial Court has scheduled a hearing to protect the rights of the injured party and examine the evidence for 09:00 on 12 October 2026.