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Thai Hitman Sentenced to Life for Killing Cambodian Lawmaker

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Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A Thai hitman received a death sentence, later commuted to life imprisonment, for the January killing of former Cambodian opposition lawmaker Lim Kimya in Bangkok. Ekkalak Paenoi, a former Thai marine, was found guilty of premeditated murder and other weapon charges. The court also ordered Ekkalak to pay 1.79 million baht in compensation to the victim's family.

 

Lim Kimya, a 74-year-old with dual Cambodian and French citizenship, was shot shortly after arriving in Bangkok with his family. Ekkalak was apprehended in Cambodia the day after the murder. The Thai Criminal Court dismissed charges against a second accused individual due to insufficient evidence of his involvement.

 

The case remains open as two Cambodian nationals, Ly Ratanaksmey and Pich Kimsrin, are still at large and wanted in connection with the murder. Arrest warrants were issued in January, highlighting ongoing international search efforts. Lawyer Nadthasiri Bergman emphasized the Kimya family's desire for the Thai authorities to pursue these individuals.

 

Lim Kimya had been a prominent member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which was disbanded in 2018 amid allegations it dismissed as fabricated. The murder has prompted concerns regarding the safety of political figures and the influence of cross-border criminal activities.

 

Experts suggest the case may impact future bilateral relations and law enforcement collaboration between Thailand and Cambodia. Further developments are anticipated as authorities continue international cooperation to apprehend the fugitives.

 

Key Takeaways

  • A Thai hitman's death sentence for murder was reduced to life imprisonment.
  • Two Cambodian suspects remain at large, with ongoing efforts for their capture.
  • The slain politician was part of a dissolved Cambodian opposition group.

 

Related Stories

Village Head Allegedly Hired Hitman Over Life Insurance Dispute

Final Suspect Arrested in Murder of Thai-Cambodian Tycoon ‘Sia Auan’ in Sa Kaeo

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-03

 

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  • Popular Post

If he was a Cambodian opposition leader, there is a good chance that Hun Sen and his mafia clowns are involved. He has either been suppressing or has been assassinating his opponents for decades now. 

 

Chea Vichea was simply a Cambodia textile worker leader, speaking out on behalf of the textile unions and he got taken out, who do you suppose was responsible? 

Execute such types immediately and not feed them for years!

7 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

If he was a Cambodian opposition leader, there is a good chance that Hun Sen and his mafia clowns are involved. He has either been suppressing or has been assassinating his opponents for decades now. 

 

Chea Vichea was simply a Cambodia textile worker leader, speaking out on behalf of the textile unions and he got taken out, who do you suppose was responsible? 

Yep, guards are gonna break him out of prison once people forget in a few years. 

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