Thailand Holds Trial Of French Bloody Cambodian Opposition Politician Shot Dead

JAKARTA - Bangkok's court in Thailand is holding a trial for the murder of a Cambodian opposition politician with French blood named Lim Kimya.

The former opposition lawmaker in Cambodia was shot dead by a motorcyclist when he had just arrived in Bangkok on January 7, 2025.

The alleged perpetrator, who is a Thai citizen, Ekkalak Paenoi, was arrested in Cambodia a day after the murder was later handed over to Thai authorities. Paenoi faces a premeditated murder charge in this case.

Ekkalak admitted the murder in a video footage live broadcast by local media.

However, Anne-Marie Lim, the victim's wife, demanded full responsibility for the reasons for her husband's murder, asking that the perpetrator be dragged to court.

"I want to know the reason for this crime and who ordered it. That's what I want to know the most," he told AFP outside the court in Bangkok, while carrying a portrait of her husband who had been murdered.

Cambodian opposition figures have accused former Cambodian leader Hun Sen of masterminding the shooting.

The current Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, has denied the involvement of his government as his father, Hun Sen, took the lead.

Hun Sen led Cambodia for nearly four decades until 2023. Western countries and human rights groups have long accused Hun Sen of leading a legal system to destroy the opposition.