Phnom Penh: A spokesman for the National Police confirmed that Ekkalak Pheanou, the Thai man accused of killing Lim Kimya, a former member of parliament from the dissolved CNRP and a dual Cambodian-French citizen, has been handed over to Thai authorities. This transfer took place on the morning of January 11, 2025.

Pheanou was arrested in Battambang province, Cambodia, on January 8 after fleeing Thailand. The National Police spokesman stated that the extradition was conducted at the request of the Thai authorities and involved cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand, as the murder occurred in Thailand.

Lim Kimya was shot and killed on January 7, 2025, at around 5:45 PM at 13 Hang Street, Burin Nived Vihear Subdistrict, Preah Nakorn District, Bangkok. The French Embassy in Cambodia condemned the murder and expressed condolences to Lim's family. A press release from the embassy indicated that France is providing consular support to the family and is closely monitoring the investigation by Thai authorities to ensure justice is served.

Following the incident, Thai investigators identified Pheanou, a 41-year-old former military sailor, residing at 999 Sapwut Road, Bangna Nuea Subdistrict, Bangna District, Bangkok. Reports indicate that after the shooting, he fled Bangkok towards the Cambodian border.

A spokesperson for the National Police General Directorate noted that the Cambodian National Police conducted a thorough investigation following a request for cooperation and information from the Royal Thai Police. The suspect was located and arrested by authorities from the Battambang Provincial Police Department at Prey Svay Village, Prey Svay Commune, Maung Russey District, Battambang Province, at 1:50 PM on January 8, 2025.