Summary
A Thai court sentenced a former marine to life in prison for the murder of Cambodian opposition politician Lim Kimya in Bangkok. The court initially gave a death sentence but reduced it to life imprisonment after the defendant confessed. Cambodian authorities were linked to ordering the murder, but there is no conclusive evidence.
Key Facts
- The Thai court sentenced Ekkalak Paenoi to life imprisonment for the murder of Lim Kimya.
- Lim Kimya was an opposition politician from Cambodia visiting Bangkok.
- The court initially gave Ekkalak a death sentence but reduced it after his confession.
- Ekkalak must pay Lim Kimya's family 1.79 million baht ($55,162) in compensation.
- Thai police are seeking two Cambodian nationals related to the murder.
- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet denied his government’s involvement.
- Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been historically high.
- The Cambodia National Rescue Party, of which Lim was a member, was dissolved by Cambodia's courts before the 2018 elections.
