'We will never forgive': Parents of Thai girl, 17, allegedly murdered by Australian man, 45, cries as they collect body

The parents of the 17-year-old girl who was found dead inside a suitcase in Pattaya expressed their grief and heartbreak while waiting to collect their child's body.

The girl, named Tunchanok Donhomla, was found dead after being last seen entering a building with a 45-year-old Australian man, Simon Carman, on Jun. 25.

Carman was arrested on Jun. 26 at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on suspicion of murdering the girl.

Tunchanok's parents described their desperation when they first heard that Tunchanok was missing, and their initial hope that she was still alive, according to The Thaiger.

First trip

Tunchanok's parents said this was the teen's first trip to the city, and they recalled urging her to stay safe.

The teen, who lives in Kalasin province, had travelled to Pattaya on Jun. 16 with a 19-year-old friend.

The family described the girl as a hardworking, good-natured girl who helped support the family and had never been in any trouble.

She had kept in touch with her family throughout the trip, but stopped contact after her last message around 5:12 pm on Jun. 26.

Her friend later reported her missing.

Heartbreaking journey

The teen's stepmother recalled their desperation as they drove down from Kalasin to Pattaya.

They learned that police were searching for a foreign suspect after he had been seen wheeling a suitcase out of his room.

The family clung to hope that she might still be alive and could not bring themselves to believe their child could be inside the suitcase.

When police later confirmed that the girl was found inside the suitcase, her family reportedly stopped the vehicle and wept along the road.

Suspect apologised to family

In a video filmed by local police, Carman was seen apologising to the teen's family and saying her death was "out of my control".

He said he felt bad for what happened, adding:

"It was out of my control. I know you'll be very sad, upset, same-same me. It shouldn't happen and I hope you're okay. I know you're not, but I hope."

He also told them to caution other girls to be "careful," then said he didn't want to speak anymore.