Thai Police Investigate Murder of Former Cambodian Lawmaker Lim Kimya

A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for a suspected hitman in the murder of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian opposition lawmaker. Lim, shot in Bangkok shortly after arriving from Cambodia, was a member of the dissolved CNRP. The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerable status of political exiles and calls for a thorough investigation by Thai authorities.

On Wednesday, a court in Thailand issued an arrest warrant for a suspected hitman involved in the murder of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian opposition lawmaker. Lim Kimya, aged 74, was shot multiple times in a crowded area of Bangkok merely hours after arriving in the country with his family. Thai authorities have identified a 41-year-old motorcycle taxi driver as the alleged assailant and are actively pursuing his arrest. Police believe the murder was premeditated, and investigation efforts are ongoing.

Lim Kimya held citizenship in Cambodia and France and was a member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, a prominent political coalition that faced dissolution prior to the 2018 election due to accusations of treason—a charge that the opposition described as baseless. Witness accounts depict a gruesome scene, with Lim Kimya found gravely injured as first responders attempted to aid him.

Bryony Lau from Human Rights Watch urged thorough investigative measures by Thai authorities and emphasized the need for accountability in targeting Cambodian dissidents. The Cambodian government, on the other hand, distanced itself from the incident, suggesting it was a matter solely for Thailand, and highlighted claims made by opposition groups regarding state-sponsored intimidation and violence. While Lim Kimya was not a leading figure, his death underscores the precarious situation for Cambodian opposition members.

The murder of Lim Kimya reflects the ongoing tensions within Cambodian politics, particularly against the backdrop of a vigorous crackdown by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) on dissenting voices. The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), of which Lim Kimya was a member, was dissolved amid claims of treason in 2018, leading to various political exiles and imprisonments. The killing also highlights issues surrounding the safety of political figures in exile, especially within neighboring countries like Thailand, where dissidents have sought refuge from political oppression.

In summary, Lim Kimya’s assassination has triggered a call for justice in Thailand, showcasing the intersection of Cambodian political strife and the safety of exiled opposition members. The Thai police are urged to take swift action against the identified suspect while ensuring thorough investigations. This incident raises broader concerns regarding state-sponsored violence against political opponents and the implications that arise within the regional context.

Original Source: www.usnews.com