Suspected killer of former Cambodia lawmaker arrested, Thai police say
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Central Investigation Bureau officials standing near the spot where Mr Lim Kimya was shot, in Bangkok on Jan 7.
PHOTO: AFP
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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 Jan 8.
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 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 Jan 7 who fired three shots at him, said a police officer who declined to be named, citing a lack of authorisation to speak to media.
Mr Lim Kimya, a Cambodian and French citizen, had crossed into Thailand from Cambodia at noon on Jan 7 with his wife and brother and travelled to Bangkok by bus before he was shot dead, the police officer said.
He 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 Jan 8 issued an arrest warrant for the 41-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, who three police officers told Reuters was a former Marine.
Surrounded by a pool of blood, Mr 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.
Blood is seen on the ground where Mr Lim Kimya was reportedly shot, in Bangkok on Jan 7.
PHOTO: AFP
“Thai authorities should promptly and thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible,” Mr 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 neighbouring Thailand.”
Cambodian government spokesman 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 through investigation”.
“The Thai authorities are giving the case its due attention, noting apparent public safety concerns,” Thai foreign ministry spokesman 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.
Scores of opposition politicians and activists were convicted and jailed during Mr Hun Sen’s time in power, with challengers forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled.
Kem Sokha was arrested and sentenced in 2023 to 27 years in prison for treason – a charge he has repeatedly denied – and was immediately placed under house arrest.
Mr Sam Rainsy lives in exile in France.
Despite holding French citizenship, Mr Lim Kimya did not join the dozens of lawmakers who fled abroad after Kem Sokha was detained.
He told AFP at the time in Phnom Penh: “I will never give up politics.”
Mr 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.
We will investigate and determine if the motives were personal or otherwise, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said. REUTERS, AFP
