Pursat (FN), Jan. 20 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the recent transfer of the murderer of Lim Kimya to Thai authorities is a testament to the integrity of the Cambodian government.

The premier spoke on Monday (Jan. 20) at the inauguration of the newly established village “Bun Rany Sen Chey Damnak Troyeung” in Pro’ngel commune, Phnom Kravanh district, Pursat province.

Ekkalak Pheanou, a Thai national who murdered Lim Kimya, a former member of parliament from the former CNRP, in Bangkok, Thailand, was handed over by Cambodian authorities to Thai officials on the morning of 11 January 2025. This transfer took place after Pheanou fled to Cambodia after the murder. The transfer occurred at the request of the Thai government, following cooperation between the two countries.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei also criticised Sam Rainsy for continually inciting political unrest and noted that in the case of Lim Kimya, Sam Rainsy had already acted as the Supreme Court by prematurely convicting the government of murder.

Samdech Thipadei continued that the government does not condone acts of violence, including the shooting of Lim Kimya. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged all politicians to refrain from exploiting this tragic incident for political gain, as has been done in the past.

The premier added that it is unjust for the Royal Government of Cambodia to be accused of wrongdoing before the investigation has even begun. He called for an end to protests that hinder the investigation process.

The premier stated, "Why be foolish? If we were behind it, wouldn't we hide the perpetrators? Instead, we chose transparency and sent them to Thailand for investigation, ensuring we are not involved. No matter how clean we act, we'll be accused. So, let Thailand handle it. If we don't comply, even Thailand will criticize us."

Lim Kimya, a 72-year-old dual Cambodian-French national, was shot dead at 5:45 PM on January 7, 2025, at 13 Hang Street, Burin Nived Vihear Subdistrict, Preah Nokor District, Bangkok. The victim was en route to Bangkok when the incident occurred. The suspect, Ekkalak Pheanou, a 41-year-old former military sailor from Bangkok, was identified as the perpetrator. He resides at 999 Sapwut Road, Bangna Nuea Subdistrict, Bangna District, Bangkok.
=FRESH NEWS