BANGKOK, Jan 9 (TNA) – Thai police are awaiting the extradition of a key suspect in the killing of a former Cambodian opposition figure, as authorities prepare for advance witness testimony in the high-profile murder case.
Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee, superintendent of Chanasongkram police station, said investigators have identified two suspects in the killing of Lim Kimya, 73, a former Cambodian activist who was shot dead near Wat Bowonniwet temple in Bangkok while visiting Thailand with his French wife on January 7.
The alleged gunman, Ekkarak Paenoi, known as “Sergeant M,” was arrested in Battambang province, Cambodia. The second suspect, identified as Pich Kimsrin, 24, a Cambodian national accused of helping identify the target, remains at large.
Due to the involvement of foreign witnesses, including the victim’s wife, prosecutors have requested the court to conduct advance witness testimony before they return to their home countries, pending court approval.
Sources familiar with the matter said “Sergeant M” is currently being interrogated by Cambodia’s internal security authorities in Phnom Penh.
His extradition to Thailand is likely to be delayed as he faces charges in Cambodia for illegal entry.
Thai authorities plan to seek his extradition to face charges of premeditated murder once the Cambodian legal proceedings conclude. -819 (TNA)
