CHONBURI - A murder investigation has been launched in Thailand after the body of a 17-year-old girl was discovered inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks in Pattaya.
Police have arrested a 46-year-old Australian man in connection with the case after CCTV footage linked him to the teenager’s disappearance, which was reported after she went missing for more than 24 hours.
Investigators said CCTV recordings showed the victim entering a condominium on Jomtien Second Road with the suspect at 3.34am local time on June 25. Both were later seen heading to a room on the 15th floor, but she was never captured leaving the premises.
Later footage showed the suspect leaving the building at 9.34pm the same day with a black suitcase before travelling around Sukhumvit Road and areas near railway tracks. He was later seen returning without the suitcase after disappearing from CCTV coverage for about nine minutes.
Authorities believe the missing interval is significant, suggesting the suitcase may have contained the victim’s body.
A missing person report triggered a search of the condominium, but neither the victim nor the suspect was found at the time, although investigators discovered signs of a struggle inside the room.
The suspect was later detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 7pm on June 26 while attempting to purchase a ticket back to Australia. Police said scratch marks consistent with human fingernails were found on his neck and arms, though he denied any involvement.
Hours after his arrest, police traced his movements and discovered a 26-inch black suitcase hidden in bushes near railway tracks, approximately 4.2 kilometres from the condominium. Rescue personnel confirmed a body was inside.
The victim was found unclothed and had suffered severe facial injuries. Authorities said tattoos and physical features matched the missing teenager, and her body was sent for forensic identification and autopsy.
Following the discovery, the Pattaya Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant on charges related to the removal of a minor from guardianship for immoral purposes.
The suspect maintains his innocence, claiming the victim left the room while he was asleep. Police, however, say the explanation is unconvincing as forensic analysis continues to determine whether further charges will be added.