New Evidence Clears Cambodian Leaders of Involvement in Kimya Murder
Claims by foreign media and opposition groups linking Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) leaders to the murder of former Member of Parliament Lim Kimya have been challenged by new evidence. The alleged mastermind, Ly Ratanakraksmey, was revealed to have been dismissed from his role as an advisor to CPP President Hun Sen months before the crime.
Thai police have accused Ratanakraksmey, a 43-year-old Cambodian frequent visitor to Thailand, of orchestrating the January 7 murder in Bangkok. Operating under the alias “Somwang,” he allegedly hired former Thai marine Ekkalak Pheanoi for 60,000 baht to carry out the assassination. Kimya, aged 73, was fatally shot in front of his wife and brother shortly after arriving from Siem Reap. Authorities revealed that Ratanakraksmey had visited Thailand over 100 times in recent years and fled the country the day after the murder.
Former opposition leader Sam Rainsy accused CPP President Hun Sen of involvement, citing Ratanakraksmey’s previous advisory role. However, a dismissal letter issued by the CPP on March 13, 2024, stated that Ratanakraksmey was removed for “wrongdoing that goes against the party’s political agenda and principles.” This dismissal, signed months before the crime, was publicized during the ongoing investigation.
Minister Delegate So Naro called for greater transparency in announcing appointments and dismissals, noting the dismissal letter had gone unnoticed until recently. He emphasized the importance of publicizing such decisions to prevent misunderstandings.
Ratanakraksmey, a former member of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), joined the CPP in 2022. He previously led the CNRP’s Thailand Workers Working Group, engaging Cambodian migrant workers in political activities.
In addition to the arrest warrant for Ratanakraksmey, Interpol has issued a red notice for 24-year-old Cambodian national Pich Kimsrin, accused of acting as a spotter during the murder. Surveillance and phone records indicate Kimsrin coordinated with Ekkalak to ensure the assassination’s success. Cambodian police have stated they have not received formal requests from Thai authorities for assistance in locating the suspects.
Suon Serey Ratha, Chairman of the Cambodian Peace Forum, argued against any involvement of Cambodian leaders, presenting seven reasons to support his claim. He noted that Kimya was not a significant political figure at the time of his death and had no influence threatening the ruling party. Furthermore, Serey Ratha highlighted Kimya’s past conflicts with opposition leader Sam Rainsy and his previous work with a French financial institution, suggesting personal motives rather than political ones.
Cambodian authorities have demonstrated cooperation in the case, preparing to extradite the suspect upon request. This stance reflects Cambodia’s commitment to justice and counters claims of political involvement.
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