Lim Kimya, a former lawmaker from Cambodia, was tragically shot dead on January 7 while arriving in Bangkok with his French wife. The Thai police have identified a Cambodian national, Somwang Bamrungkit, as the suspected mastermind behind this heinous act. Somwang, aged 43, faces serious charges, including hiring someone to commit murder and unauthorized possession and use of a firearm.
The investigation has led to the arrest of Thai national Ekkalak Paenoi, who was apprehended in Cambodia and handed over to Thai authorities. Ekkalak is accused of assisting the Thai gunman in escaping after the murder. Some Thai media reports suggest that Ekkalak was paid 60,000 baht (approximately US$1,700) for his involvement. However, Ekkalak claims he did not receive any payment and took the job to "pay a debt of gratitude."
The case has taken a political turn, with Sam Rainsy, an exiled opposition figure, accusing Hun Sen, Cambodia's long-serving former leader, of ordering the killing. Hun Sen ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for nearly four decades and has been accused of using the legal system to suppress opposition. Nevertheless, his son, Hun Manet, who assumed power in 2023 after Hun Sen stepped down, has strongly denied any governmental involvement in the murder.
Hun Manet, now the Prime Minister of Cambodia, condemned the murder and expressed willingness to cooperate with Thai authorities in their investigation. He firmly rejected accusations against his father and the Cambodian government, emphasizing their commitment to justice.
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