A Thai man has confessed to the murder of a former Cambodian opposition lawmaker in Bangkok, according to police statements made on Saturday. Ekkalak Paenoi acknowledged his wrongdoing, saying, “I confess that I did wrong,” after being charged with premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
Lim Kimya, who previously served as a lawmaker for the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was shot dead on Tuesday by a motorcyclist as he arrived in Bangkok by bus with his French wife.
Cambodian opposition leaders have alleged that the shooting was ordered by the country’s influential former leader, Hun Sen.
Following an extradition request from Thailand, Cambodian authorities arrested the suspect on Wednesday and transported him to the Thai border. On Saturday, he was airlifted to Bangkok by Thai police via helicopter.
Senior police official Somprasong Yenthuam stated, “We can’t determine the motives yet, please give us time.” Reports suggest that Ekkalak is a former marine.
Yenthuam also announced that an arrest warrant had been issued for a Cambodian accomplice in the case. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson from Cambodia denied any official involvement in the incident.
In recent years, many Cambodian opposition activists have sought refuge in Thailand to escape perceived repression in their home country, with some being arrested and deported. Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for nearly four decades, has been accused by rights groups of using the legal system to suppress dissent. Although he stepped down in 2023, handing power to his son Hun Manet, he is still regarded as a significant figure in Cambodian politics.
France has condemned the assassination of Lim Kimya, who also held French citizenship.
Credit: France24
