A Cry for Justice: Seeking Truth for Lim Kimya and Cambodia’s Brave Heroes
Political violence is alive, well, unabated not only in Cambodia but also abroad. Once again, my homeland is bruised and broken by yet another brutal assassination carried out in broad daylight—further exposing the persistent culture of impunity and disregard for justice.
As an ordinary Cambodian citizen, I cannot fully express the depth of my sorrow over the tragic murder of Lim Kimya, a Cambodian-French political activist and former member of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), on January 7, 2025, in Bangkok. His assassination was both unexpected and deeply shocking, sending ripples of grief throughout the Cambodian community—especially among those who cherish justice and freedom of speech.
This devastating act is not only heartbreaking but also a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak the truth against the present leadership. My heart goes out to his wife, family, and all who knew and respected him for his unwavering courage in standing up for what is right for ALL. For Lim Kimya, silence in the face of injustice, wrongdoings, and the relentless abuse of power by the ruling party was never an option. His assassination leaves an indelible mark, and I sincerely hope for real justice for all who mourn this immense loss.
The assassination of Lim Kimya was a despicable transnational crime, as defined by the United Nations, which characterizes such offenses as those “whose inception, perpetration, and/or direct or indirect effect involve more than one country” (UNDOC). Shortly after the killing, Thai authorities released security camera footage showing the suspected gunman, former Thai marine Ekkalak Paenoi, arriving at the scene on a motorbike before openly shooting Lim Kimya three times on January 7, 2025, in a busy tourist area of Bangkok around 5:45 PM. The suspect fled to Cambodia’s Battambang province and was detained by the Cambodian National Police the following day. He was extradited to Thailand on January 11, 2025, and, after being charged with premeditated murder, illegally carrying a weapon and unlawful discharge of a firearm, he confessed to the crime. He claimed he carried out the assassination to repay a debt of gratitude to someone who had helped him after he was dismissed from the military.
Additionally, Thai authorities identified Pich Kimsrun, a Cambodian official and deputy head of the administration running Phsar Kandal Market in Phnom Penh, as a second suspect. Kimsrun was reportedly on the same bus as Lim Kimya and acted as a spotter. His whereabouts remain unknown after he fled back to Cambodia. On January 15, 2025, Thai police began searching for a third suspect, Ly Ratanakrasmey, an adviser to former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who they believe masterminded the assassination. According to Ekkalak Paenoi’s testimony, Ly Ratanakrasmey “harbored a grudge against the victim and asked him to ‘handle it.’”
After nearly two weeks of silence, Prime Minister Hun Manet condemned the assassination but denied any involvement by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), stating, “I want to ask: Why would the government be so stupid? If the government orchestrated it… why would we arrest the killer and send him to Thailand for an investigation?” He dismissed allegations from the opposition and analysts as politically motivated attempts to exploit the incident for political gains. However, the government's persistent refusal to identify the mastermind behind the targeted killings of Lim Kimya and other activists does little to reassure the public that justice will be served or to ease their distress.
As of this writing, the two Cambodian suspects, Pich Kimsrun and Ly Ratanakrasmey, remain at large in Cambodia despite Thai authorities issuing arrest warrants to turn them in. Many Cambodians are left asking: Why haven’t the Hun Manet’s authorities arrested them yet? WHY and MORE WHY?
Regarding the pursuit of justice, the present leadership often acts unilaterally to deflect attention from the real perpetrators, despite Lim Kimya’s wife, Lim Ani, believing that her husband’s murder was “politically motivated.” His son, Lim Thomas, stated, "Until the arrest of the two Khmer suspects, I was able to shed light on the truth surrounding my father's murder."
A Culture of Impunity
The culture of impunity remains a harsh reality in Cambodia. According to the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cambodia, the injustices committed by the current leadership are innumerable and deeply ingrained in the nation’s political, social, and economic fabric. From systematic political repression, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of free speech to land grabs, corruption, and human rights violations, these injustices have shaped decades of fear and instability. The legacy of impunity—particularly in silencing dissenting voices—has led to the erosion of democratic institutions, leaving ordinary Cambodians with little recourse for justice and accountability.
Over the years, critics, activists, and journalists have been targeted and killed under suspicious circumstances:
- Chea Vichea (2004) – A labor union leader advocating for workers’ rights, shot dead in Phnom Penh. The real perpetrators were never brought to justice.
- Chut Wutty (2012) – A prominent environmental activist fighting illegal deforestation, was shot and killed. His murder highlighted the complicity of government officials in land grabs.
- Kem Ley (2016) – A widely respected political analyst and government critic was assassinated in broad daylight at a gas station in Phnom Penh. Many believe his killing was politically motivated, as he had recently exposed a major corruption scandal involving Hun Sen’s family.
- Lim Kimya (2025)
The government’s prolonged political war against its opponents remains unrelenting. Praying and grieving have their place, offering solace and comfort, but they are not enough. They do not bring accountability. The victims and their families demand true justice—justice that goes beyond words and condolences. They seek a thorough investigation, the identification of the real mastermind, the prosecution of those responsible, and an end to the culture of impunity that enables such crimes to persist.
Without justice, the cycle of political violence and repression will continue, endangering more lives and reinforcing a system where accountability is nonexistent. It is time for Cambodia’s leadership to prioritize real justice for the victims rather than shielding those in power.
Yet, despite these challenges, the fight for democracy and justice continues. Cambodians, both inside and outside the country, remain steadfast in their push for real change.
May the sacrifices of those who gave their lives standing up for what is right and speaking out against the current leadership serve as a powerful reminder, inspiring Cambodians from all walks of life to rise above oppression, overcome fear, and reclaim their dignity and freedom.
Note: This piece was edited with the assistance of ChatGPT.
References:
https://www.rfa.org/english/cambodia/2025/01/13/thailand-cambodia-killing-lim-kimya/
https://www.rfa.org/english/cambodia/2025/01/15/thailand-killing-suspect/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/suspect-murder-ex-lawmaker-bangkok-confession-gratitude-police/
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/cambodia/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olMydj4ZOl8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYTtIhnlvCI
