Summary
A Thai court sentenced a man named Ekkalak Paenoi to life in prison for killing Cambodian opposition politician Lim Kimya in Bangkok. Lim Kimya was shot shortly after arriving in Thailand, and Ekkalak fled to Cambodia before being arrested and deported back. The motive behind the assassination remains unclear, though it is suspected to be political.
Key Facts
- Ekkalak Paenoi received a life sentence for the murder of Cambodian politician Lim Kimya.
- The initial death penalty was reduced to life imprisonment after Ekkalak confessed.
- Lim Kimya was formerly a parliamentarian from Cambodia's opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
- The CNRP was banned in 2017, and its members were barred from political activities.
- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet denied any government involvement in the killing.
- Security footage showed Ekkalak's actions before the shooting.
- Ekkalak has to pay about $55,000 in compensation to Lim Kimya's family.
- Another man accused of assisting Ekkalak was cleared by the court due to lack of evidence of his involvement in the crime.
