Suspected Killer of Former Cambodia Lawmaker Arrested, Thai Police Say

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

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