BANGKOK – Lim Kimya, a 74-year-old Cambodian-French political activist and former member of parliament, was shot dead on Tuesday evening near the historic Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in the Phra Nakhon district.

Lim Kimya, known for his staunch advocacy for democracy and human rights in Cambodia, was shot twice – once in his right ribcage and once in his right shoulder – by a motorcyclist assailant around 4:00 p.m. local time. The attack occurred shortly after Lim arrived in Bangkok with his French wife and a Cambodian relative from Siem Reap. Despite prompt medical attention, Lim succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The activist had been a prominent figure in Cambodia’s political landscape, serving as a member of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which was the main opposition party until it was dismantled by the Cambodian Supreme Court in 2017 under allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. His political career was marked by his vocal criticism of the Cambodian government led by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, positioning him as a significant voice for change and reform in the country.

Reports indicate that Lim Kimya had lived in France for a period after the CNRP’s dissolution, suggesting he might have been in exile or seeking safety away from political persecution in Cambodia. His background as a dual national and his history of political activism made him a known figure among both supporters and detractors of the Cambodian political establishment.