Heartbreaking new blow for grieving family of Thai teen found dead in suitcase - as they gather to send her 'back to heaven'

Published: 03:59, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 04:22, 1 July 2026 Grief-stricken relatives of a Thai teenager allegedly murdered by an Australian truck driver have been forced to halt their funeral plans until her body can be returned. Tunchanok Donhomla, 17, was allegedly strangled by Simon Peter Carman, 45, in the early hours of Thursday morning, before he is accused of stuffing her naked body into a suitcase and dumping it near train tracks in Pattaya, eastern Thailand. Carman was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Friday while allegedly trying to flee back home to Perth. He has been charged with murder and remains in police custody. On Tuesday night, Ms Donhomla's family and friends gathered for her funeral at an open-air temple in Kalasin, about 200km from her hometown of Nong Khai and about 700km from Pattaya. But they instead changed their plans and held a vigil when her body did not arrive in time because of the ongoing murder investigation. The funeral was rescheduled for Wednesday.  A friend wrote on social media on Tuesday: 'Update, the morning of 29th, the body has not arrived at home. 'It is expected to arrive in the evening of 29th and the funeral will be held the next day.' At the vigil, a framed portrait of Ms Donhomla, whose friends called her 'Nong', could be seen at the centre of an elaborate floral display, as loved ones knelt on a mat. Tunchanok Donhomla, 17, (pictured) was allegedly murdered by Australian truck driver Simon Peter Carman Simon Peter Carman, 45, was arrested by police in Thailand on Friday (pictured) Tunchanok Donhomla's loved ones held a vigil on Tuesday night (pictured) Rows of chairs lined the temple as family, friends and elders gathered to mourn. The vigil invitation read: 'Come to send the sibling back to heaven.' Ms Donhomla's wake is expected to span several days, featuring nightly chanting led by local monks. Alongside traditional flower wreaths, mourners will offer food and symbolic items including fans to ensure she is comfortable in the spirit world. Close family members will then pour blessed water over Ms Donhomla's hands before cremation. Tributes from loved ones have flooded social media. 'I am so sorry my friend,' one person wrote. Another said: 'I would like to send my condolences (to) Nong's family. May you rest in peace.' Loved ones can be seen gathering for Tunchanok Donhomla's vigil on Tuesday  Friends who gathered for her funeral beneath an open-air temple in Kalasin held a vigil instead when it had to be delayed by the ongoing criminal investigation (pictured) Rows of chairs were arranged around the temple as family, friends and elders gathered to mourn (pictured) A third person wrote: 'I feel sorry for you, Aunt Bai is sorry for you.' Ms Donhomla's body was found in a black suitcase on Friday - two days after she was last seen alive. Friends first raised the alarm when she failed to return to their shared rental apartment. Her stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, said Ms Donhomla had asked her grandmother for money because she wanted to take a trip to the sea. The family said Ms Donhomla had not been to Pattaya before her death, but in the months before her death, Ms Donhomla posted photos to social media and tagged bars in the area. Three days before her alleged murder, she shared videos of herself walking along the beach while lip syncing. Ms Donhomla's mother died when she was young, and she was raised by her father and stepmother. Both made the ten-hour journey to Pattaya to help search for her.  Tunchanok Donhomla (pictured) was known as 'Nong' to her friends  Tunchanok Donhomla (pictured) was initially reported missing by her friends But before they arrived, they were told police had found her body. On Wednesday, photos obtained by the ABC showed Ms Donhomla's friend confronting Carman in the untidy unit where she was allegedly murdered. Carman had rented the room for eight months. The photos showed clothing strewn around, and the top of the fridge littered with empty alcohol bottles and cleaning products.  Extension cords were suspended between a fridge and a microwave, near a tiny bathroom with cracked and mouldy tiles.  A small pink bow was stuck on the front door. Carman has been charged with murder, concealing and moving a body, and taking a minor aged between 15 and 18 for sexual purposes. He denies the allegations and claims he acted in self-defence, alleging that Ms Donhomla attacked him with a knife during an argument over money.  Hotel footage captured Ms Donhomla with Carman shortly before she was allegedly strangled to death Ms Donhomla's body was found inside a black suitcase dumped near railway tracks outside Pattaya last Friday night - two days after she was last seen In taped interviews released by police, Carman addressed Ms Donhomla's family.  'I feel bad for what happened to your daughter,' Carman said. Carman remains in custody at Pattaya Remand Prison, where he is halfway through a mandatory 10-day quarantine period in isolation. A date has not yet been set for his first court appearance.  A murder conviction in Thailand can result in the death penalty or a jail sentence of between 15 and 20 years. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. 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