Thai court extends detention for suspect in Cambodian politician murder


Ekkalak Paenoi, a suspect in the assassination of a former politician with now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Lim Kimya, 74, is escorted by police officers as he arrives in Thailand following handing over from Cambodia to Thai authorities, in Bangkok, Thailand, January 11, 2025. - Reuters

BANGKOK: A Thai court on Monday (Jan 13) approved 12 days of detention for a man suspected of shooting dead a Cambodian opposition politician in an attack in Bangkok.

Ekkalak Paenoi, who confessed to the crime Saturday in a livestream video, was escorted to the court in Bangkok wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet alongside uniformed police officers.

Lim Kimya, a former lawmaker for the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was gunned down on Tuesday by a motorcyclist as he arrived in Bangkok by bus from Cambodia with his French wife.

"The court has extended the detention to allow further investigation, and he has been sent to Bangkok Remand Prison," said senior police officer Attaporn Wongsiripreeda.

Ekkalak -- who Thai media have said was a former marine -- was arrested in Cambodia on Wednesday, before being extradited to Thailand on Saturday.

Cambodian opposition figures have accused the country's powerful former leader Hun Sen of ordering the shooting, although a government spokesman has denied official involvement.

Thai police will complete their investigation into the shooting before sending the case to prosecutors for indictment.

Some Thai media reports said Ekkalak was paid 60,000 baht (US$1,700) for the killing, but police say he has claimed he did not receive payment, and took the job "to pay a debt of gratitude". - AFP

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Thai , Cambodia , detention extended , suspect , murder

Next In Aseanplus News

China opposes US attempts to undermine ties with Panama, says foreign ministry
Bartender arrested over toxic alcohol deaths in Vietnam's central city of Hoi An
One giant dream - Big plans among top businessmen with US$5bil basketball league spanning Asia and Europe and rival NBA
Surge in demand for influenza vaccination after Barbie Hsu’s death at MOH portal and Singapore clinics
Prioritise healthcare, safeguard national peace, says Anwar
State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina advances Indonesia's clean energy goals with biodiesel for fleet
Japan, US agree to have FX matters in the hands of finance chiefs, Ishiba says
12 Chinese nationals arrested in crackdown on loan sharks in Thailand
China youth fry flour with firecrackers to create mushroom clouds for videos but sparking warnings
Hamas releases three more Israeli captives under Gaza ceasefire deal

Others Also Read