Bangkok, Thailand — A Thai man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a former Cambodian politician, leaving questions regarding the potential masterminds of the crime. Ekkalak Paenoi shot Lim Kimya on January 7 as the former Cambodian lawmaker arrived in the Thai capital with his wife, leading to widespread speculation about the motives and orchestrators behind the attack.
Lim, who previously served as an opposition MP in Cambodia, was reportedly targeted due to his political affiliations. Following the shooting, Cambodian opposition members suggested that the country’s former leader, Hun Sen, may have had a role in orchestrating the assassination. The late politician’s widow, Anne-Marie Lim, has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her husband’s murder.
Initially facing a possible death sentence, Ekkalak’s punishment was reduced to life imprisonment by a Bangkok court after he confessed to the crime. The confession, made poignant by a live-streamed video shortly after his arrest in Cambodia, played a significant role in the court’s decision. Ekkalak’s trial began just days ago, highlighting witness testimonies, including that of Lim’s widow, who expressed her desire for clarity on the motives and orchestrators of the crime.
In her post-verdict comments, Anne-Marie Lim remained concerned about who might be behind the murder. Her attorney, Nadthasiri Bergman, remarked that while the verdict provides some closure, many questions linger about those who ordered the killing. “She wants authorities to get to the bottom of it,” Bergman stated, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
Additionally, Cambodian authorities have identified further suspects believed to be connected to the incident. Thai police have expressed interest in pursuing these individuals, which include Ly Ratanakrasksmey and Pich Kimsrin, who were allegedly involved in planning and executing the assassination. Following media reports suggesting Ratanakrasksmey’s ties to former Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Cambodian ruling party released a statement asserting that he had been dismissed from advisory roles earlier this year.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, son of Hun Sen, has denied any governmental involvement in Lim’s murder. His father ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades, during which critics, including international human rights organizations, frequently accused his administration of suppressing political dissent.
Am Sam Ath, director of the Cambodian rights group Licadho, stated that while the life sentence provides partial justice, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive investigations into the murder. “Since Lim Kimya is also a Cambodian, we want to see that Thai authorities and the Thai court conduct further investigations in order to render full justice,” he said.
Lim Kimya was a prominent figure in Cambodian politics until his party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, was banned in 2017 by the Supreme Court. Following his political withdrawal, he moved back to France before his untimely death.
Alongside Ekkalak’s conviction, the court dismissed charges against his alleged accomplice, Chakrit Buakhil, who was accused of transporting the shooter after the incident. Chakrit’s lawyer defended him, stating that he was unaware of the underlying plans. Some reports suggest Ekkalak may have been promised financial compensation for the assassination, though he claimed he took the job out of a sense of duty.
As investigations continue, the saga surrounding Lim Kimya’s murder reveals deeper political tensions in Cambodia and raises serious questions about accountability and justice in cases involving figures from the opposition.