Serey Sam, exiled Cambodian politician in Denmark
Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the Cambodian political landscape, Lim Kimya, a 73-year-old opposition Member of Parliament, was shot dead in the royal district of Bangkok last Sunday. The assassination of Lim, who was targeted with two shots to the chest, is being described as a calculated attack, raising concerns about the safety of political dissidents abroad.
Security footage from the scene reveals a man parking his motorbike near a renowned temple, removing his helmet to expose his face, and walking calmly across the street before gunshots rang out. Witnesses reported hearing shots fired moments before seeing Lim Kimya collapse. The assailant fled the scene on his motorbike, reportedly discarding an item as he made his escape.
Political tensions have escalated further with comments from Serey Sam, leader of the exiled Khmer National Government in Exile based in Copenhagen. He denounced the crackdown on opposition figures, asserting that Hun Sen and his son are manipulating regional dynamics to suppress dissent. “If anyone dares to stand up against Hun Sen, there’s no safety in Thailand as well,” he warned, reflecting the growing unease among Cambodian exiles.
Despite the immediate response from a nearby police officer who attempted to revive him, Lim was pronounced dead at the scene. His assassination has drawn sharp condemnation and concern from various quarters, with Monovithya Kem, daughter of prominent CNRP leader Kem Sokha, labeling him as “brave and independent.” She asserted, “No one but the Cambodian state would have wanted to kill him.”
Lim Kimya, a former member of the now-banned Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), had recently arrived in Bangkok with his wife from Cambodia, highlighting the perilous environment faced by opposition figures. Holding dual Cambodian and French citizenship, Lim had opted to remain in Cambodia despite the risks that came with being part of a banned political entity. The CNRP, formed from a coalition of two earlier opposition parties, nearly unseated Prime Minister Hun Sen in the 2013 elections, leading to accusations of treason against its members and the party’s eventual disbandment.
The situation in Cambodia appears increasingly chaotic, especially following recent incidents in which images of the King were burned, revealing deep divisions within the ruling regime. Observers note that the environment for opposition is deteriorating rapidly, with calls for international support growing louder.
As investigations into Lim Kimya’s assassination continue, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the volatile nature of Cambodian politics and the lengths to which authorities may go to eliminate dissent. The international community is urged to pay close attention as the situation unfolds, with the hope that justice will be served for Lim and other persecuted political figures.