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- February 13, 2025 , 7:15 PM
PHNOM PENH – Cambodian police say they have not yet had any formal request from Thailand to arrest the alleged mastermind and another suspect behind the murder of former politician Lim Kimya.
“What we have heard is unofficial information,” National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun said.
The Cambodian suspects are Pich Kimsrin, 24, and alleged mastermind Ly Rattanarasmey, 43.
Kimya was a member of parliament from 2013 until 2018 when he joined the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). His political career was disrupted in 2017 when the Cambodian court dissolved the party, leading to a ban on political activities for many of its members.
According to Thailand’s Khaosod English news outlet, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Ly Rattanaraksmey based on three charges: hiring others to commit murder, illegally carrying firearms in public areas, and discharging firearms in urban areas.
Thailand has asked Interpol to issue a red notice for Kimsrin's arrest. This would enable Interpol officers and the Cambodian National Police to locate the suspect, who, as the Bangkok Post reported, is alleged to have acted as a spotter for the gunman.
The hunt for the Cambodians started after Cambodian authorities apprehended suspect Ekkalak Pheanoi. Ekkalak, a former marine, was later extradited to Thailand at the request of Thai authorities for further investigations.
He confessed to the crime after he was charged with premeditated murder and unauthorized gun ownership.
Earlier this week, Thai police arrested a driver accused of helping the gunman flee the scene. Local media reported that the driver claimed he was unaware of the crime when he aided the suspect.