Thai Court Issues Arrest Letter Of Ojek Driver Dead Shooter Member Of Cambodian Opposition

JAKARTA - The Thai court issued an arrest warrant against a suspected hitman who shot dead former Cambodian opposition lawmakers.

Lim Kimya, 74, who arrived in Thailand hours earlier, was shot dead on Tuesday by a waiting gunman. The perpetrator opened three shots.

Lim Kimya, a Cambodian and French national crossed into Thailand from Cambodia on Tuesday afternoon with her wife and brother and traveled to Bangkok by bus before she was shot dead.

Sanong Saengmanee Police Colonel, local police station supervisor, told Reuters an arrest warrant had been issued to a 41-year-old motorcycle taxi driver for premeditated murder.

Bangkok police chief General Siam Boosom said investigations have so far indicated the killer was a hitman.

"We have collected evidence and know who the culprit is. We are currently trying to arrest him," he told reporters.

Lim Kimya is a member of the Cambodian National Rescue Party, the popular opposition who was dissolved by the court ahead of the 2018 elections on suspicion of a treason plan.

CNRP at the time said accusations against them were fabricated by the ruling Cambodian People's Party.

Lim Kimya lay on her back after being shot. A small blue suitcase lying nearby.

Thai authorities must immediately and thoroughly investigate and try those responsible, said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watc.

The Cambodian government has intimidated, supervised and harassed former CNRP members including those living in exile in neighboring Thailand, Lau added.

Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona said the killings were a matter for Thai authorities. He said the Cambodian government was often accused by opposition groups as the party behind the incident.