Lim Kimya was a member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the popular opposition that was dissolved by a court ahead of a 2018 election over an alleged treason plot. The CNRP said at the time that the charges against it were fabricated by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
Surrounded by a pool of blood, Lim Kimya lay on his back, clad in a blue polo shirt and white shorts, as a policeman attempted to revive him, according to a photo shared by first responders. A small blue suitcase lay nearby.
“Thai authorities should promptly and thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible,” Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch said in a statement.
“The Cambodian government has intimidated, surveilled and harassed former CNRP members – including those living in exile in neighboring Thailand.”
Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona said the killing was a matter for the authorities of Thailand, a sovereign state. He said the Cambodian government was often accused by opposition “extremists” of being behind incidents.
The Cambodian and French embassies and Thailand’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to separate requests from comment.
Cambodia’s government, led by the CPP for more than four decades, has conducted a ruthless, years-long crackdown on its opponents, with scores of politicians and activists jailed, many in absentia, and hundreds more fleeing into exile. It has denied persecuting the opposition.
Lim Kimya was not a prominent member of the opposition movement. Police said they were still investigating the motive for his killing.
