An Australian man has pleaded not guilty to murder and related charges in connection with the death of a 17-year-old girl in Pattaya City, an eastern Thai tourist destination. Simon Peter Carman was formally indicted on Thursday by prosecutors, officials said.

Carman was arrested in June after the teenage girl was reported missing. Authorities found her body inside a suitcase shortly thereafter. Pattaya City Police confirmed that Carman faces charges of murder, concealment of a body, and two counts of committing indecent acts on a minor.

During a hearing at Pattaya Provincial Court, Carman, in consultation with his legal counsel, denied all allegations. He claimed the fatal incident occurred in self-defense and stated he was unaware of the girl’s true age. The court rejected his application for bail on grounds that he posed a flight risk. The next hearing to review evidence has been scheduled for October 12. Carman remains in custody at Pattaya Remand Prison.

Thai authorities revealed that security camera footage last captured the girl entering a condominium with Carman. Later footage showed him leaving the property alone, transporting a large suitcase which he loaded onto a motorbike. He was seen riding to a remote area near a railway line, where the body was eventually discovered.

Carman was apprehended at a Bangkok airport as he attempted to board a flight to Australia. Police said further interrogation led them to locate the suitcase containing the girl’s remains. In a recorded police interview released by Thai media, Carman asserted that he acted in self-defense after the girl allegedly threatened him with a knife.

If convicted on the charge of premeditated murder, Carman faces the possibility of the death penalty under Thai law. Investigations and legal proceedings are ongoing.