Thai Authorities Issue Warrant for Suspect in Former Cambodian…

A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for a hit man suspected in the murder of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian lawmaker, shot dead in Bangkok shortly after arriving from Cambodia. The suspect, a motorcycle taxi driver, is believed to have acted with premeditation. The assassination has sparked calls for thorough investigations into the Cambodian government’s treatment of opposition figures.

On Wednesday, a Thai court issued an arrest warrant for a suspected hit man who is believed to have assassinated Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian opposition lawmaker in a bold attack in Bangkok. Lim Kimya, aged 74, had just entered Thailand hours before his murder when a gunman shot him three times in a crowded area of the city. The gunman allegedly fled the scene on a motorcycle. The investigation has led authorities to suspect a 41-year-old motorcycle taxi driver of premeditated murder, as police confirm the killing was executed by a hired assailant.

Lim Kimya, a citizen of both Cambodia and France, traveled to Thailand on Tuesday accompanied by family. Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee indicated that relevant evidence has been collected, and efforts are underway to apprehend the alleged perpetrator. The police are currently exploring the motive behind the murder, which has echoing political implications given Lim Kimya’s affiliation with the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

The assassination of Lim Kimya highlights ongoing tensions in Cambodian politics, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition figures. The CNRP, which faced dissolution by Cambodian authorities in 2018, alleged that the charges against them were politically motivated. Many former members of the party have faced harassment or have been forced into exile. This particular incident shines a light on the risks endured by Cambodian opposition members, even outside their homeland, as they seek refuge in neighboring countries like Thailand.

In conclusion, the murder of Lim Kimya underscores the dangers faced by opposition figures from Cambodia, particularly those linked to the CNRP. As Thai authorities begin a manhunt for the suspect, calls for thorough investigations have amplified, especially concerning the historical context of the Cambodian government’s actions against dissenters. This case may heighten scrutiny of the Cambodian government and its treatment of political opposition, both domestically and abroad.

Original Source: www.usnews.com