Perth man Simon Carman ‘disputed bill’ at bar one week before allegedly murdering Tunchanok Donhomla

A Thailand bar owner has revealed Simon Carman disputed a bill just one week before he allegedly murdered a 17-year-old following an argument over the cost of sexual services.

The 45-year-old Perth man is accused of killing Tunchanok Donhomla and stuffing her body in a suitcase before dumping the teenager near railway tracks more than 4km from his Pattaya apartment.

Mr Carman was arrested at the airport at the end of June, shortly after her body was found and just minutes before he was due to board a Jetstar flight bound for Perth.

Local bar owner, Kate, has now opened up about her bizarre encounter with Mr Carman, revealing he refused to pay for his drinks and attempted to get close to her 20-year-old niece.

“Simon had beers and food here most nights,” She told the Daily Mail.

“The last time he came, one week before the alleged murder, he had seven beers, but when I gave him the bill he say only pay for four.”

Kate told the publisher she never did discover why Mr Carman had disputed the bill, choosing not to argue with him.

“Simon is strong, he is a friendly guy, buys drinks for people here, but he is really strong,” she continued.

“Even when I see him and he gives me a high five, my hand was red after. (He was) always lifting people or (giving them a) strong slap on back.”

According to Kate, Mr Carman became a regular at the bar because he wanted to get close to her 20-year-old niece, who worked there as a waitress.

“He always asked her out and he got her gifts and brought them here for her,” she added.

“Things from the market and food.”

Kate said her niece never agreed to go out with Mr Carman and found his behaviour unsettling.

“He always offered to massage the girls. Always touching and saying he can do a good massage and do the girls want one.”

Another local — who wished to remain anonymous — told the Daily Mail, they were stunned by the murder allegations but said he had a temper.

“He was always happy but sometimes he can have a temper and argue about things like the bill,” they said.