Thai suspect confesses to murder of former Cambodian opposition lawmaker

A Thai man suspected of killing a former Cambodian opposition MP, Lim Kimya, in Bangkok, has confessed to his crime, Thai police announced on Saturday (January 11). “I admit that I did wrong”Ekkalak Paenoi told police and media, after being charged with premeditated murder and unauthorized possession of firearms.

Lim Kimya, a former lawmaker for the now-disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party, was shot dead in the street by a motorcyclist on Tuesday as he arrived by bus in Bangkok from Cambodia with his French wife.

Cambodian opposition figures have accused Hun Sen, the country’s powerful former leader, of sponsoring the act. France also condemned the assassination of Lim Kimya, who also held French nationality.

Arrest warrant against an accomplice

Cambodian police said they arrested the suspect on Wednesday and took him to the Thai border following an extradition request. The suspect, who is a former soldier according to Cambodian police, was then transferred to Bangkok on Saturday by a Thai police helicopter.

“We cannot yet determine the motives, please give us time”Somprasong Yenthuam, a senior police officer, told the press. He said an arrest warrant was also issued for a Cambodian accomplice. A Cambodian government spokesperson denied any official involvement in the killing.

Many Cambodian opposition activists have fled to Thailand in recent years to escape the repression they reportedly face in their country. Some were arrested and deported to their country.

Hun Sen ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for nearly four decades, with human rights groups accusing him of using the justice system to crush opposition to his rule. He stepped down and handed over power to his son Hun Manet in 2023, but he is still considered very powerful in the kingdom.