Pattaya Court Denies Bail for Australian Man in Teen Murder Case

PATTAYA — An Australian man accused of murdering a 17-year-old girl and stuffing her body into a suitcase before dumping it near a railway track has been denied bail by the Pattaya Provincial Court. Simon Peter Carman, an Australian national, appeared in court on Thursday to deny all charges and seek temporary release. The court held a hearing to protect the defendant’s rights and record his plea in criminal case No. T61/2026. Carman is accused of killing the teenager and then concealing her body. Carman, represented by his lawyer, pleaded not guilty to all charges. He cited self-defense and claimed he had been mistaken about the victim’s age. He also indicated his intention to apply for temporary release. However, the Pattaya Provincial Public Prosecutor objected to bail, arguing that Carman was arrested while preparing to leave the country and posed a flight risk if released. After considering the circumstances, the court rejected the bail application, ordering Carman to remain in custody. He was immediately taken to prison. The prosecutor has charged Carman 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. Pattaya Provincial Court has scheduled a hearing to protect the rights of the injured party and examine the evidence for 09:00 on October 12, 2026.