Authorities in Thailand have launched a intensive manhunt for the suspect linked to the assassination of former Cambodian opposition politician Lim Kimya, who was fatally shot on the streets of Bangkok near the bustling Khaosan Road on Tuesday. Lim, aged 74 and a dual national of Cambodia and France, was known for his previous role with the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which had gained significant traction against the ruling Cambodian People's Party led by Hun Sen.

Thailand's police chief Siam Boonsom reported on Wednesday that initial investigations suggest the assailant was likely hired to carry out the shooting. Reports indicated that Lim had just arrived in Bangkok after traveling from Siem Reap, Cambodia, and was at the scene with his wife at the time of the incident. Witnesses recount seeing the gunman, who was captured on security footage, arrive on a motorcycle, shoot Lim Kimya, and flee the area as chaos ensued. “We have gathered evidence and know who the perpetrator is,” Siam stated, hinting that an accomplice may have identified Lim to the shooter [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/8/thai-police-hunt-hitman-for-shooting-of-cambodian-opposition-figure).

The CNRP expressed outrage over the brutal assassination, which many speculate is politically motivated amid a rising tide of transnational repression against political dissidents. Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates, emphasized that the incident highlights a worrying trend of violence aimed at silencing opposition voices across borders [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/thailand-cambodia-opposition-politician-shooting-f2c44959dd83a88c5279730fa95696b3).

The timing of the assassination also raises eyebrows, coinciding with announcements from Hun Sen regarding stricter measures against dissenters, calling for legal definitions of anti-government activities as terrorism. This comes as significant as Cambodia grapples with a turbulent political atmosphere even after Hun Sen’s transition of power to his son, Hun Manet [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdr0rx307p3o).

International observers have noted that the execution-style killing serves as a grim reminder of the chilling conditions that exiled dissenters face, particularly in Thailand, where numerous Cambodian opposition figures have sought refuge from political persecution. Human Rights organizations are now urging Thai authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and deliver justice, reinforcing that such acts of violence against political activists cannot go unpunished [Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/cambodian-opposition-politician-lim-kimya-shot-dead-bangkok-2011470).

As the investigation unfolds, attention will remain focused on whether appropriate actions will be taken to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent further political repression in the region.

For more information on this story, visit South China Morning Post.