A former Cambodian politician's assassination in Bangkok has spotlighted the involvement of a senior adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, raising tensions around political violence in the region.
Cambodian Leader's Adviser Accused of Orchestrating Political Murder in Thailand
Cambodian Leader's Adviser Accused of Orchestrating Political Murder in Thailand
Authorities seek arrest of advisor to Hun Sen linked to high-profile assassination of opposition figure Lim Kimya in Bangkok.
On January 15, 2025, a Thai court issued an arrest warrant for Somwang Bamrungkit, a 42-year-old dual national of Thailand and Cambodia, accused of masterminding the premeditated murder of Lim Kimya. Lim, a 73-year-old dual citizen of Cambodia and France, was shot dead after arriving in Bangkok from Cambodia, an act believed to be politically motivated due to his links to the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (C.N.R.P.), which was disbanded under Hun Sen's regime.
Lim's assassination, carried out by a gunman who fled but was later captured and extradited to Thailand, elicited accusations from fellow Cambodian dissidents who contend that the responsibility for the murder ultimately rests with the long-serving Hun Sen, even as spokesman Sok Eysan distanced the Prime Minister from his adviser's alleged crime.
Bamrungkit, also known as Ly Rotanakraksmey in Cambodia, faces charges not only of hiring the assassin but also of firearm offenses. His whereabouts are currently unknown. The swift investigation that led to the arrest of the gunman, Ekaluck Paenoi, highlighted fears over personal safety within the dissident community, emphasizing the risks they face in the ongoing political conflict in Cambodia.
The political landscape remains fraught as Hun Sen transitions authority to his son, Hun Manet, while retaining significant influence over Cambodia's governance, stirring unease among opposition groupings that fear further repression.
Lim's assassination, carried out by a gunman who fled but was later captured and extradited to Thailand, elicited accusations from fellow Cambodian dissidents who contend that the responsibility for the murder ultimately rests with the long-serving Hun Sen, even as spokesman Sok Eysan distanced the Prime Minister from his adviser's alleged crime.
Bamrungkit, also known as Ly Rotanakraksmey in Cambodia, faces charges not only of hiring the assassin but also of firearm offenses. His whereabouts are currently unknown. The swift investigation that led to the arrest of the gunman, Ekaluck Paenoi, highlighted fears over personal safety within the dissident community, emphasizing the risks they face in the ongoing political conflict in Cambodia.
The political landscape remains fraught as Hun Sen transitions authority to his son, Hun Manet, while retaining significant influence over Cambodia's governance, stirring unease among opposition groupings that fear further repression.
