2 months ago
74
January 8, 2025 | 11:41 pm
TEMPO.CO, Bangkok - A suspected hit man who shot dead a former Cambodian opposition lawmaker in a brazen attack in Thailand's capital Bangkok was arrested in Cambodia after a day-long manhunt, a senior Thai police official said on Wednesday.
Thai police coordinated with Cambodian authorities after learning that the suspect had crossed the border, Metropolitan Police Chief Sayam Boonsom told Reuters.
"The Cambodian police have arrested him," he told Reuters, adding that Thailand would be requesting the extradition of the suspect, who is a Thai national.
Former lawmaker Lim Kimya, 74, arrived in Thailand just hours before he was killed by a gunman on Tuesday who fired three shots at him, said another police officer who declined to be named, citing a lack of authorization to speak to media.
Lim Kimya, a Cambodian and French citizen, had crossed into Thailand from Cambodia at noon on Tuesday with his wife and brother and traveled to Bangkok by bus before he was shot dead, the police officer said.
Lim Kimya was a member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, the popular opposition that was dissolved by a court ahead of a 2018 election over an alleged treason plot, which the party dismissed at the time as a fabrication.
A Thai court earlier on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for the 41-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, who three police officers told Reuters was a former Marine.
RESUSCITATION ATTEMPT
Surrounded by a pool of blood in Bangkok's crowded old quarter, Lim Kimya laid on his back, in a blue polo shirt and white shorts, as a police officer attempted to revive him, according to a photo shared by first responders. A small blue suitcase lay nearby.
"Thai authorities should promptly and thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible," Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.
"The Cambodian government has intimidated, surveilled and harassed former CNRP members – including those living in exile in neighboring Thailand."
Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona said the killing was a matter for Thai authorities. He said the Cambodian government was often accused by opposition "extremists" of being behind incidents.
The Thai government promised a "full and thorough investigation."
"The Thai authorities are giving the case its due attention, noting apparent public safety concerns," Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said.
The Cambodian and French embassies did not immediately respond to separate requests for comment.
Cambodia's government, led by the Cambodian People's Party for more than four decades, has conducted a ruthless, years-long crackdown on its opponents, with scores of politicians and activists handed prison terms, many in absentia, and hundreds more fleeing into exile. It has denied persecuting the opposition.
Lim Kimya was not a prominent member of the opposition movement and both the police and the Thai government said they had still to determine the motive for his killing.
REUTERS | Panarat Thepgumpanat | Panu Wongcha-um
Editor's Choice: Indonesia Probes Allegations of Indonesian Citizen Being Held in Cambodia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Vietnam National Team Becomes 2024 AFF Cup Champion, Beating Thailand with 5-3 Aggregate
3 hari lalu
The Vietnam national team became the champion of the 2024 AFF Cup after defeating Thailand with an aggregate of 4-3.
AFF Cup 2024 Final: Vietnam Beat Thailand 2-1 with Nguyen Xuan Son Brace
5 hari lalu
Vietnam defeated Thailand 2-1 in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final at the Viet Tri Stadium in Viet Tri, Vietnam, on Thursday, January 2.
7 Best Places to Celebrate New Year 2025 in Thailand
8 hari lalu
This article guides you to the best destinations for celebrating New Year's in Thailand. From Bangkok to Phuket, these places are a place to go.
5 Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Phuket, Thailand
9 hari lalu
Find out the best destinations for celebrating New Year's Eve in Phuket, from lively beachfront fireworks shows to charming historical backdrops here.
Indonesia Probes Allegations of Indonesian Citizen Being Held in Cambodia
10 hari lalu
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry is currently investigating information related to the news of an Indonesian citizen being held captive in Cambodia
Tsunami Memorials Across Asia Mark 20 Years After Deadly Tragedy
13 hari lalu
A total of 226,408 people died as a result of the tsunami, according to EM-DAT. Most of those killed were in Aceh, Indonesia.
Indonesian Police Arrest Roman Nazarenko, Bali Drug Lab Controller, in Thailand
17 hari lalu
Indonesian Police arrested a Ukrainian citizen named Roman Nazarenko who is the controller behind a clandestine drug laboratory in Bali.
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn: The World's Richest Monarch
21 hari lalu
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn is currently the world's richest monarch. Find out his net worth and the sources of his wealth.
Government Records 638% Surge of Self-Reporting Indonesians in Cambodia: Foreign Ministry
22 hari lalu
There is an increasing trend of Indonesians voluntarily working in the online gambling industry abroad, particularly in Cambodia.
Thailand to Host Regional Meetings Focused on Myanmar This Week
23 hari lalu
Representatives from China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand, which all share borders with Myanmar, will attend Thursday's meeting.
