Murder of Cambodian Opposition Politician in Bangkok

Cambodian-French former opposition MP Lim Kimya was fatally shot in Bangkok on January 7, 2025, shortly after arriving from Cambodia. Thai police have issued an arrest warrant for a suspect believed to be a hired gun, with initial investigations suggesting the attack was politically motivated. Lim Kimya, a vocal critic of the Cambodian government and a member of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), faced repression in Cambodia, where opposition members have been targeted. Human rights groups are urging the Thai government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing. Sam Rainsy, a rival of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, has accused him of orchestrating the assassination amid ongoing political tensions in Cambodia. The Cambodian government has denied any involvement, stating that the incident occurred on Thai soil and should be handled by Thai authorities.