Autopsy Findings in the Cake Murder Case
We begin today with the grim autopsy findings in the case of 17-year-old Cake, whose body was discovered inside a suitcase near railway tracks in the Pattaya area.
Australian national Simon Peter Carman, 45, remains in custody accused of her murder. If convicted of the most serious charge, he could face the death penalty under Thai law.
Police say the teenager met Carman on Beach Road before accompanying him back to his accommodation. CCTV reportedly captured the pair together in the foyer of his condominium complex. Two days later, her body was discovered concealed inside a suitcase and dumped near railway tracks.
As investigators prepare to complete their case, details released from the initial but extensive autopsy indicate that the teenager suffered a brain injury and died from suffocation. Police have also said there were no other significant injuries found on her body.
Swabs taken during the forensic examination reportedly found DNA matching Carman on the teenager’s body. However, an important point amid considerable speculation surrounding the case is that the details of the forensic report released publicly do not state where on her body that DNA was recovered. Nor do they establish that the pair had intercourse.
It’s an important distinction, and one worth making rather than allowing social media to fill in the blanks. Carman has been charged with murder, concealing and moving a body, and taking a minor aged between 15 and 18 for sexual purposes.
He denies deliberately killing the teenager and has reportedly claimed that he acted in self-defense, alleging that Cake attacked him with a knife. Carman, meanwhile, remains at Pattaya Remand Prison, reportedly in extremely crowded conditions. Reports indicate that he has received no personal visitors, with contact apparently limited to embassy representatives.
Northern Thailand Flooding and Landslides
Moving north, the weather warnings brought yesterday have unfortunately proved well-founded, with flooding, flash floods, and landslides reported across several provinces.
Some of the worst conditions have been seen in Nan, where prolonged heavy rain caused rivers and waterways to overflow, inundating homes and leaving roads underwater. In several areas, the damage has gone considerably beyond a bit of water across the carriageway.
Sections of road have reportedly been washed away, while bridges have been damaged or collapsed. The Department of Highways has advised motorists to avoid seven routes between Nan and Payao, where heavy rain, flooding, and landslides have seriously affected travel.
The government has ordered Nan, Payao, and Lampang to make urgent preparations for further flooding and flash floods. Cell broadcast emergency alerts are being prepared around the clock, while a KA-32 helicopter has been placed on standby should aerial assistance or evacuation be required.
Unfortunately, there’s little immediate relief in the forecast. Further rain is expected, meaning already saturated ground will have very little opportunity to dry out.
New Rules for Thailand Ride Hailing Platforms
Changes are on the way for ride-hailing platforms operating in Thailand, with regulators looking at new rules designed to improve both fairness for drivers and safety for passengers.
One area reportedly being examined concerns the way jobs are allocated. Some drivers receive increased bonuses or rates after reaching particular work targets during the day. However, there have been claims that once drivers qualify for those higher payments, platform systems may favour other drivers who remain on the cheaper rate.
The proposed rules are intended to make the system more transparent and ensure drivers aren’t effectively penalized. Platforms are also expected to carry greater responsibility for ensuring their drivers have the correct licenses, documentation, and insurance.
For motorcycle services, hopefully that will include making sure there is actually a passenger helmet available.
Pattaya Bar Bill Escape and Police Pursuit
From sensible regulation to somebody displaying rather less common sense, our coveted idiot of the week award has a very strong contender.
A foreign customer was reportedly caught on camera making a determined escape from a popular Pattaya bar and restaurant area after allegedly leaving behind a bill of more than 50,000 baht.
The old dine and dash isn’t exactly a new concept in the West, although we’re hearing of it rather more frequently here. There is, however, one important difference worth remembering. In some countries, staff might watch you disappear before phoning the police. In Pattaya, there’s a reasonable chance they’ll run after you.
Our reluctant payer reportedly headed off along Beach Road at considerable speed, managing what witnesses might generously describe as an attempted four-minute mile. Unfortunately for him, the pursuit continued.
He was eventually cornered and reportedly received a rather less than enthusiastic reception from those who caught up with him before police were called. Quite how one person accumulates a 50,000 baht bill is another question entirely.
We’ve looked at the figures ourselves and can only assume he was feeling extraordinarily generous. Witnesses say he ran remarkably straight and remarkably fast.
Fabulous Pattaya News Reaches 26 Million Views
Some of our viewers pointed out that our YouTube news coverage has now passed 26 million views. 26 million.
Considering we’ve managed that without Hawaiian shirts, endless tales from Pattaya’s bars, or thumbnails featuring somebody looking shocked beside an enormous red arrow, we’re rather pleased.
But seriously, that number belongs as much to you as it does to us. Every person who watches, subscribes, shares a report, or simply comes back each day has helped us reach it.
When we reach 50 million, we promise we’ll do something special. We’re not entirely sure what yet. For now, though, it’s our turn to give you the thumbs up.
Nene Royal Heads to America’s Got Talent
And finally, something genuinely uplifting. 16-year-old Thai musician Nene Royal flew to the United States with her family yesterday, preparing to compete in the live shows of America’s Got Talent on August 25th.
It’s already an extraordinary achievement for a young Thai musician. Nene has been practicing relentlessly in preparation, according to her father, and she’s asking supporters both here in Thailand and around the world, particularly those in America, to get behind her when voting opens.
At just 16, she’s already managed something very few Thai musicians ever experience: breaking through onto one of America’s biggest television entertainment stages.
Whatever happens from this point onwards, that’s quite an achievement. Naturally, we’re hoping she goes considerably further.
If you looked outside this morning, you probably don’t need us to tell you that it started wet and we’re expecting more rain throughout the day, with temperatures reaching around 30° and falling to approximately 27° tonight. Take a little extra care on the roads and allow yourself some extra travelling time.
