Phnom Penh: On the night of January 8, 2025, a spokesperson for the National Police Commission confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the shooting death of Lim Kimya, a former member of parliament from the now-dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP). The incident occurred on January 7, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.
The suspect, identified as Ekkalak Pheanou, a Thai national born in 1983 and a former military sailor, was apprehended in Battambang Province, Cambodia, on the afternoon of January 8, shortly after fleeing Thailand.
Lim Kimya, born in 1951 and possessing both Cambodian and French nationality, was shot at approximately 5:45 p.m. on January 7 at 13th Street, Burin Nived Vihear, Preah Nokor District, Bangkok. According to the National Police Headquarters, Thai authorities launched an investigation immediately following the incident, which led to the identification of Ekkalak Pheanou as the primary suspect.
After committing the crime, Pheanou fled Bangkok and traveled toward a provincial area near the Cambodian border. In response to a request for cooperation from the Royal Thai Police, the Cambodian National Police initiated a thorough investigation, culminating in the suspect's arrest at approximately 1:50 p.m. on January 8 in Prey Svay Village, Prey Svay Commune, Maung Russey District, Battambang Province.
Following his arrest, Pheanou was transferred to the Battambang Provincial Police Headquarters for further proceedings. As per legal protocol, he will be returned to Thailand upon completion of the necessary procedures, in accordance with the request from the Royal Thai Police.
The CNRP issued a statement confirming Lim Kimya's death, expressing that they were “shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the brutal and inhumane shooting” of Lim Kimya, who had served as the CNRP’s member of parliament for Kampong Thom province.
The suspect, identified as Ekkalak Pheanou, a Thai national born in 1983 and a former military sailor,
Lim Kimya, 74, pictured in 2017 was an activist and former member of Cambodia's National Assembly 
