8-1-2025 (BANGKOK) A former Royal Thai Navy serviceman suspected of assassinating a Cambodian opposition figure has been arrested in neighbouring Cambodia, Thai authorities confirmed late Wednesday.
The suspect, identified as Ekalak Paenoi, 41, was captured at a restaurant in Cambodia’s Battambang province following an intensive cross-border manhunt. Known locally as “Sergeant Em”, the former marine corps member was apprehended roughly 24 hours after allegedly gunning down Lim Kimya, 73, a former member of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom revealed that investigators believe Paenoi operated as a contract killer, with evidence suggesting a coordinated operation involving a spotter. Police have released an image of a suspected accomplice, believed to be a Cambodian national who travelled on the same coach as the victim from Siem Reap to Bangkok.
ศาลอาญาอนุมัติหมายจับ #จ่าเอ็ม อดีตนาวิกฯ ก่อเหตุยิง “ลิม กิมยา” อดีต สส.ฝ่ายค้าน #กัมพูชา เสียชีวิต บริเวณเกาะกลางถนนข้างวัดบวรฯ ย่านบางลำภู เมื่อวานนี้ pic.twitter.com/0REM3ylrWH
— pone poyepoloye (@motorwars) January 8, 2025
The brazen killing occurred near the historic Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district, where the assailant fired three shots at Lim Kimya in front of his wife and brother. Post-mortem examination revealed fatal wounds to the victim’s heart and liver from bullets fired into his back.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled on a motorcycle later abandoned at a petrol station in Bangkok’s Suan Luang area. He subsequently escaped to Cambodia via Sa Kaeo province, prompting a coordinated effort between Thai and Cambodian law enforcement that led to his capture.
Thai authorities anticipate Cambodian officials will first prosecute Paenoi for illegal entry before considering extradition proceedings. The suspect’s criminal history includes an outstanding warrant for property-related offences.
The killing has sparked diplomatic tension, with Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona deflecting responsibility to Thai authorities whilst denouncing opposition “extremists” for suggesting government involvement. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted “in accordance with Thai law”.
Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit has urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to expedite the investigation, expressing concern about Bangkok’s reputation as a safe haven for political activists. The incident coincided with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen’s call for new anti-terrorism legislation targeting opposition to his son’s government.
The case has drawn international attention, with Human Rights Watch highlighting ongoing intimidation of former CNRP members in exile. The CNRP was dissolved prior to Cambodia’s 2018 election amidst controversial treason allegations, which the party maintained were politically motivated.
