An Australian man accused of murdering a Thai teenager has been denied bail after prosecutors argued he could try and flee the country.
Simon Peter Carman, 45, faced the Pattaya Provincial Court in Thailand today in what was his first appearance before a judge since his arrest in late June.
He stands accused of picking up 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla along Pattaya’s popular Beach Road in June before killing her and discarding the body.
Mr Carman appeared in court barefoot with heavy chains around his ankles and his wrists in handcuffs.
Prosecutors have charged him with intentional murder, concealing a corpse, moving or destroying a corpse, and abducting a minor over 15 but under 18 for indecent purposes.
Tunchanok Donhomla, 17, was from the Kalasin province in Thailand. (Supplied: Pattaya Police)
The 45-year-old denied all charges, telling the court he had acted in self-defence and was mistaken about Ms Tunchanok’s age.
He also urged the court to grant him bail.
Prosecutors objected, telling the court Mr Carman was apprehended while preparing to flee the country and might attempt to flee again if released on bail.
The court rejected his application.
Simon Peter Carman had not appeared before a judge until Friday’s hearing. (ABC News: Haidarr Jones)
Trial could take ‘six to eight months’
Ms Tunchanok was last seen alive on CCTV walking hand in hand with Mr Carman into the elevators of his condo building about 3:30am on June 25.
Mr Carman was captured on CCTV later that night dragging a large suitcase out of his room and then transporting it on the back of a motorcycle.
Two days later, police found Ms Tunchanok’s body inside a suitcase that had been dumped along railway tracks near Mr Carman’s accommodation.
CCTV captured what police allege is Simon Carman riding a motorcycle with a suitcase strapped on the back. (Supplied)
Mr Carman was represented in court by lawyer Sorasit Pongin, who told the ABC he had been retained by the 45-year-old’s mother.
“He denies all charges,” the lawyer said.
“This case will likely take a considerable amount of time … roughly six to eight months starting from today.”
Sorasit Pongin represented Simon Peter Carman in court. (ABC News: Haidarr Jones)
Evidence to be examined at next court date
Mr Carman was arrested at Bangkok’s international airport on June 27 while trying to board a Jetstar flight to Perth.
He has been held at the Pattaya Remand Prison since.
Simon Carman was escorted to court in a prison van. (ABC News: Haidarr Jones)
During the hearing, the presiding judges allowed two Australian consular representatives to speak with Mr Carman.
Tears ran down his face during the meeting.
Media were restricted from reporting much of what was said inside the court.
A guard outside Pattaya Provincial Court. (ABC News: Haidarr Jones)
As he left the courthouse, Mr Carman told reporters he had lost about 30 kilograms since his detention began.
The next court date is set for October 12.
That hearing is expected to examine the evidence provided by both sides.