Thai Man Confesses to Murder of Cambodian Ex-Lawmaker in Bangkok

The suspect, a former marine, claimed he acted out of 'gratitude' while Cambodian opposition figures allege political motives behind the killing.

Ekkalak Paenoi, a Thai national and former marine, confessed to the premeditated murder of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian opposition lawmaker, in a livestreamed statement to police.
Lim Kimya, who also held French citizenship, was shot by a motorcyclist in Bangkok shortly after arriving from Cambodia with his wife and brother.
Cambodian opposition figures have accused former leader Hun Sen of orchestrating the killing, though the Cambodian government has denied any involvement.
Thai police have issued an arrest warrant for a Cambodian accomplice, while the suspect claimed he acted to repay a debt of gratitude and denied receiving payment for the crime.
Lim Kimya was a member of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party, with rights groups and opposition figures highlighting the broader repression of political activists in Cambodia.