A suspected hitman has been extradited to Thailand after being arrested in Cambodia for the alleged murder of former opposition lawmaker Lim Kimya in a brazen shooting in Bangkok. Thai national Ekkalak Paenoi, 41, is facing serious charges including premeditated murder, related to the shooting that occurred on Tuesday.

According to police reports, Lim, aged 74 and a dual Cambodian-French citizen, was fatally shot three times shortly after arriving in Bangkok with his wife and brother. Police spokesperson Somprasong Yentuam stated, “The suspect confessed to the crime and to being the person in the arrest warrant,” indicating that Ekkalak appeared distressed at the time of his arrest.

Further details revealed that Ekkalak worked as a motorcycle taxi driver and was previously identified as a marine. His extradition was facilitated through cooperation between Thai and Cambodian authorities, following the issuance of a arrest warrant by a Thai court.

Lim Kimya was associated with the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which has faced ongoing repression from the Cambodian People’s Party, leading to widespread accusations of political persecution in the region. Though his involvement in the opposition was not extensive, his murder raises serious concerns over political violence in Cambodia, where many activists remain in exile or imprisoned.

As investigations continue, authorities are still working to determine the motive behind Lim Kimya's killing, which underscores the fragile political climate in Southeast Asia.