Simon Carman ‘broke down’ after his mum messaged him following Thai suitcase murder accusation

The accused killer became emotional after reading the contents of his mother’s message following his arrest.

Zosia Melanczuk
PerthNow
Simon Peter Carman could face life in prison or the death penalty if found guilty of murder.
Simon Peter Carman could face life in prison or the death penalty if found guilty of murder. Credit: AAP

Perth man Simon Peter Carman reportedly “broke down” after receiving a text message from his mum just hours after he was arrested over the murder of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla.

The WA man is accused of killing the teen and stuffing her body in a suitcase before dumping it near railway tracks in Pattaya and trying to flee the country on a Jetstar flight to Perth.

According to Daily Mail, the accused killer’s mother, Wendy Carman, had initially believed CCTV footage showing her son with the teenage girl before her death was AI-generated.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

“Because he was living in Thailand, she just thought it must be AI and all fake,” a police source told the publication.

But after seeing Mr Carman pictured in the media for the alleged murder of Ms Tunchanok, the police source claims Ms Carman sent her son a frantic message.

It is understood the alleged killer’s mother believed CCTV footage released by police was AI generated.
It is understood the alleged killer’s mother believed CCTV footage released by police was AI generated. Credit: X

According to reports, the first message Mr Carman saw after authorities returned his mobile phone following his arrest was from his mother.

The source added that Mr Carman became emotional after reading his mother’s message.

“He broke down and said, ‘Even my mum’s heard about it,”’ they added.

“He got very upset when he read that message from her, and I think the reality of the situation finally sank in.

17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla was found dumped in a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya.
17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla was found dumped in a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya. Credit: The Pattaya News/The Pattaya News

“He had given his statement in a very matter-of-fact way before that.

Mr Carman is charged with the teen’s murder and is being held in Pattaya Remand Prison.

He faces the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted.

Originally published on PerthNow

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 08-07-2026

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 8 July 20268 July 2026

Triple-0 calls unanswered, trains cancelled and pay packets blocked: Trust Telstra to disconnect Australia.