A former Cambodian opposition leader was shot dead in Bangkok, raising concerns over political violence and safety for dissidents abroad
Bangkok: Thai police are on the hunt for the gunman who killed Lim Kimya, a former opposition leader from Cambodia. This happened at a busy tourist area, Khaosan Road, just after he arrived in Thailand with his wife.
Kimya, who was 74, was shot three times by someone who seemed to be waiting for him. The police believe this was a hired hit, with someone else pointing him out.
Security footage shows the shooter arriving and leaving on a motorbike, and he didn’t even bother to hide his face. The Bangkok police chief, Siam Boonsom, mentioned they have solid leads and are working to catch him.
Kimya was part of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which was dissolved in 2018 due to alleged treason. The party expressed shock over his brutal murder and called on Thai authorities to find those responsible.
Before the party was disbanded, it was expected to challenge the ruling Cambodian People’s Party in the elections. After the crackdown, the ruling party won every seat in the National Assembly.
Despite the threats, Kimya continued to live in Cambodia, unlike many other opposition figures who fled. His assassination coincided with a call from former Prime Minister Hun Sen for new laws to label dissent as terrorism.
Phil Robertson from the Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates described the shooting as a political assassination, highlighting a worrying trend of intimidation against opponents of the Cambodian government.
Additional reporting by agencies.
