An Australian man has been charged with murder in Thailand after the body of a young girl was discovered in a suitcase at a hotel in the resort town of Pattaya. The suspect, aged 32, was arrested on Wednesday following a police investigation that linked him to the victim, a six-year-old Thai girl who had been missing for several days.
The child’s remains were found in a suitcase left in a hotel room on October 10. Thai authorities launched a manhunt after the hotel staff alerted police to a foul odour emanating from the room. The suspect, who had been staying at the hotel, fled the scene but was later apprehended in a nearby province.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is monitoring the case, though the suspect holds Australian citizenship. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the arrest of an Australian national in Thailand and are in contact with local authorities. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim.”
The case has drawn international attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the involvement of a foreign national. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the suspect. Thai police have not yet disclosed a motive, but reports suggest the suspect may have known the victim through family connections.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was reported missing by her mother on October 7. She was last seen with the suspect, who was a tenant in the mother’s home. The suspect has denied the charges but remains in custody awaiting trial.
Thailand, a popular tourist destination, has seen several high-profile cases involving foreign nationals accused of serious crimes. This incident has renewed focus on the safety of vulnerable children and the effectiveness of cross-border law enforcement cooperation.
The UK Foreign Office has not issued a travel advisory but urged British nationals in Thailand to remain vigilant. The case is expected to proceed through the Thai legal system, which carries severe penalties for murder, including the possibility of the death penalty.
