Suspected assassin of former Cambodian MP extradited back to Thailand

A former Thai marine, wanted by Thai police for the alleged assassination of former Cambodian opposition MP Lim Kimya in Bangkok last Thursday night, was flown back to Thailand today from Cambodia.

Pol Lt-Gen Somprasong Yentuam, the assistant commissioner-general, and Pol Maj-Gen Thiradet Thumsutee, investigative commander of the Metropolitan Police, flew to Aranyaprathet district of Sakaeo province to receive the suspect, Ekaluck Paenoi, at the border crossing, after the Cambodian government agreed to extradite him to face charges.

Ekaluck has already been returned to Bangkok, in the company of the two senior officers, and handed over to Chana Songkhram officers for questioning. He is expected to appear before the

Criminal Court on Monday, to extend his detention pending the outcome of the investigation.

Police are still trying to find the suspected spotter, a Cambodian national who identified Lim Kimya as the target for the assassin.

Ekaluck fled to Cambodia after the shooting and was arrested the next day by Cambodian police in Battambang. The alleged spotter returned to Cambodia on the evening of the shooting in front of Bowonniwet Temple.