Australia’s Foreign Minister has labelled the alleged murder of a Thai teen by an Australian man as “horrific”, while adding that consular assistance has been made available to the suspect.
Perth man Simon Peter Carman, 45, was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport late last week in connection to the death of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla.
The Thai girl’s body was found dumped in a suitcase near a set of railway tracks on Friday night — more than 4km from Mr Carman’s Pattaya hotel.
Penny Wong said Australian officials have engaged with Thai counterparts over the death and vowed to raise it at a ministerial level on the sideline of the upcoming ASEAN meeting.
Mr Carman, who has denied all charges against him and claimed he acted in self-defence, faces charges of murder, moving or concealing a body, and taking a minor for sexual purposes.
“This is horrific and I think we’ve all been horrified by what has been reported and extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who have lost someone they love dearly,” Senator Wong said on Tuesday.
She refused to go into details about the assistance offered to Mr Carman.
“In relation to consular matters, we provide consular assistance to people,” she added.
“I’m not able to provide details of that because I’m bound by privacy requirements.
“But all Australians have access to consular support around the world when necessary.”
Local police allege the Australian man engaged the girl for sexual services before a dispute erupted over payment after allegedly agreeing to pay 1000 baht ($A44), but then only offering 500 baht when they arrived at his apartment.
The West Australian on Monday revealed new details about the 45-year-old’s online activity before the alleged murder, including a trail of messages showing how he pursued and critiqued the appearance of multiple women.
Neighbours also told The West he was often embroiled in arguments, bragged about owning guns and was known to sleep the entire day.
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