A 45-year-old man accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai teenager allegedly exchanged text messages with another woman while the victim's body remained hidden inside his apartment, according to Thai investigators.

The accused, Simon Peter Carman, has been charged with the murder of Tunchanok Donhomla, whose body was later discovered inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks in Pattaya, Thailand. He also faces charges related to concealing and disposing of a body, as well as offenses involving a minor.

Police allege that Carman met the teenager, known as "Cake," near Jomtien Beach before the pair returned to his apartment in the early hours of June 25. Investigators believe an argument over payment for sexual services escalated, leading to the teenager's death.

According to authorities, Carman allegedly strangled the victim before placing her body inside a suitcase and keeping it in his apartment for about a day. Investigators claim he later transported the suitcase and disposed of it near railway tracks.

Thai police say they uncovered WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Carman while the body was still hidden in his bathroom. In one reported message, he allegedly told another woman he was tired and planned to go swimming that day.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the victim entering the apartment with Carman, marking the last time she was seen alive. The teenager had also messaged a friend shortly after arriving, informing them of her location.

Police allege that during questioning, Carman admitted to strangling the teenager during a confrontation before panicking and hiding her body. However, he has denied intentionally murdering the victim, claiming he acted in self-defense after she allegedly threatened him with a knife.

Authorities later arrested Carman at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport as he was allegedly preparing to board a flight to Perth, Australia.

A post-mortem examination reportedly found injuries consistent with a violent assault. Investigators say the case remains under judicial proceedings, and Carman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The victim's family said they were devastated by the loss, describing Tunchanok as a kind and caring young woman whose death has left them heartbroken.