Former French-Cambodian Opposition MP shot dead in Bangkok

[webfact]

Photo comnposite courtesy: Matichon

 

BANGKOK - Lim Kimya, a 73-year-old former French-Cambodian opposition MP, was assassinated in the heart of Bangkok. The shooting occurred near the renowned Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Phra Nakhon district on a quiet Tuesday evening, sending waves of concern through political circles.

 

Lim Kimya, known for his resolute political stance and dual Cambodian-French nationality, tragically lost his life at the scene. As of now, police in the bustling Thai capital have launched an extensive manhunt to apprehend the killer, who remains at large.

 

Security footage from the area has revealed vital clues about the perpetrator. The video shows a man riding a red Honda Wave 100 motorcycle with the licence plate number 845. Clad in long jeans, a grey short-sleeved shirt, a helmet, and carrying a bag slung across his chest, the assailant is believed to have concealed a firearm within that bag.

 

The calculated manner of the attack has raised significant concerns regarding its motivation and potential political implications.

 

Lim Kimya's journey to Bangkok began in Siem Reap, Cambodia, alongside his French wife and Cambodian uncle. The family travelled by bus, seemingly intent on an uneventful visit to Thailand.

However, as they arrived near the revered temple, the gunman struck. The assassin brazenly parked the motorcycle, dismounted to unleash the fatal shot, then sped away down Phra Sumen Road, crossing paths with the temple.

 

Previously a prominent figure in the Cambodia National Rescue Party, Lim Kimya has been an emblem of the opposition's resilience. The party, once the main opposition force in Cambodia, was dissolved by a Supreme Court ruling in November 2017 in a crackdown seen as politically motivated under then-Prime Minister Hun Sen's regime.

 

Despite holding a French passport that could have facilitated a more secure life abroad, Lim Kimya chose to remain in Cambodia, underscoring a commitment to his homeland's political discourse. This decision set him apart from many of his peers, who sought refuge in other nations amid ongoing political repression.

 

Reflecting on his steadfast dedication, Kimya once declared to reporters, "I will never give up politics." But now, his untimely death leaves behind questions and a palpable sense of loss.

 

As Thai police intensify their efforts to track the killer, the international community watches closely. This incident further highlights the complexities and continuing struggles faced by former Cambodian opposition figures, even as they seek refuge beyond their homeland's borders, in places as disparate as Bangkok and Paris, reported Bangkok Post, Matichon, Agencies.

 

-- 2025-01-08

 

 

[thesetat]

Hmm... This guy was pretty brave to think he would be safe in Thailand. Could have been a hired assassin or the Cambodian secret police doing this. Surely though, it was not some random killing. 

[Homburg]

RIP Lim Kimya.  Politics is the dirtiest business.

[mithunonthenet]

CCP-backed Hun Sen is clearly behind his assassination. Cambodia is a dictatorship, plain & simple. 

[Rampant Rabbit]

4 minutes ago, mithunonthenet said:

CCP-backed Hun Sen is clearly behind his assassination. Cambodia is a dictatorship, plain & simple. 

So is  Thailand,..... completely

[harryviking]

The evil Hun Sen and his Chinese friends at work I guess....sad...

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Previously a prominent figure in the Cambodia National Rescue Party, Lim Kimya has been an emblem of the opposition's resilience. The party, once the main opposition force in Cambodia, was dissolved by a Supreme Court ruling in November 2017 in a crackdown seen as politically motivated under then-Prime Minister Hun Sen's regime.

Ring any bells... only Thailand uses the courts, EC and CC to do it's bidding... 

[kwaussie]

The family travelled by bus , how did the hitman know? very professional hit.

[AhFarangJa]

45 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Ring any bells... only Thailand uses the courts, EC and CC to do it's bidding... 

That was exactly My thoughts too when I read the article, a sort of DejaVu moment.

R.I.P. to a brave Man who stood by his convictions.

[smew]

In some countries a very risky business being a politician in others a very profitable depends if you are in power or in opposition 

[JoePai]

1 hour ago, kwaussie said:

The family travelled by bus , how did the hitman know? very professional hit.

They have had a lot of practice 

[Mangkhut]

Hun Sen strikes again…

[JimHuaHin]

Seems that Chinese, Cambodian, Russian, etc. agents can do what ever they like in Thailand; or is the Thai security apprati totally incompetent?

[lordgrinz]

13 minutes ago, Mangkhut said:

Hun Sen strikes again…

 

Maybe he got the OK, or the help of his friend, Thaksin.

[Tropicalevo]

3 hours ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

So is  Thailand,..... completely

And Burma, and Vietnam, and Singapore....

[Slocum]

3 hours ago, harryviking said:

The evil Hun Sen and his Chinese friends at work I guess....sad...

"Nostradamus" ....Good Try...🤐

[off road pat]

4 hours ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

So is  Thailand,..... completely

With Thaksin (a very good friend of Hun Sen) back in power, the chances are ???

[spidermike007]

Hun Sen is a serial killing superfreak, who disguised himself as a democratic leader, and the world stood by and accepted his charade. He killed his opposition at will, stole billions in land from peasants and was a terrorist against his own people. His legacy continues. 

[off road pat]

57 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Seems that Chinese, Cambodian, Russian, etc. agents can do what ever they like in Thailand; or is the Thai security apprati totally incompetent?

Hm,... Nothing more easy than sending a couple of anonymous killers to any country. !!

[Sydebolle]

All the while Wanchalearm Satsaksit, apparently a  Thailand critic "disappeared" some years ago in broad daylight from the roads of Phnom Penh; a kind of Wild West scenario here and there once Cambodia is involved ........ 

[Celsius]

7 minutes ago, off road pat said:

Hm,... Nothing more easy than sending a couple of anonymous killers to any country. !!

 

not really....no

[steven100]

anyone got his phone number 

[jippytum]

If the assasin is apprehended in Thailand and  the hit was orcestrated by Hun Sen his friend Thaksin will help with the cover up

[SOTIRIOS]

...Someone Set Him Up...(?)

...To Send A Message...(?)

[Stevemercer]

RIP

 

Sometimes I worry about Thai diplomacy as it seems appeasement is the bottom line. The killer will never be found, similar to killers of Chinese nationals and other dissidents in Thailand. It would be embarrasing if the killer was caught and was found to have connections in Cambodia. Better to avoid this possibility.

 

I still don't understand Thailand's approach to Myanmer's imprisonment of 4 Thai fishers. The attitude seems to be to work quietly behind the scenes and not do anything that could imply criticism or rebuke the Myanmar regime. Maybe this quiet diplomacy is the 'Asian way', but it may not be the most effective way to secure the release of the Thai nationals.

[Frankie baby]

Is this Asian diplomacy at work? 

[Dave0206]

Couldn't they have murdered him in Cambodia?

Or is it more of a statement and warning to others?

[edwinchester]

Thai opponents of the Thai Govt killed in Cambodia, Cambodian opponents of the Cambodian Govt killed in Thailand. Doubt if this will go much further.