On Jan. 7, 2025, the world learned with shock of the broad-daylight assassination of Lim Kimya in Bangkok. This political opposition figure, a former member of parliament for the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which had been arbitrarily dissolved by the authorities, was known for his outspoken criticism. He was gunned down in the streets under circumstances that raise numerous questions. The modus operandi of this assassination mirrors that of politically motivated killings in Cambodia. What could have been a moment of reflection for the Cambodian government or a catalyst for political change has instead been met with the frozen silence of Hun Sen and the government in Phnom Penh, adding fuel to the controversy.
A Crime at the Heart of Political Tensions
Lim Kimya was a well-known figure, frequently critical of Hun Sen and his family, whom he regularly accused of corruption and human rights violations. For years, he served as a dissenting voice in a Cambodia increasingly stifled by political repression and censorship. While many opposition figures have been assassinated, imprisoned, or forced into exile, Lim Kimya alternated between staying in Cambodia and traveling to France. Upon his return, he continued openly denouncing the actions of Hun Sen, as well as his sons—Hun Manet, Hun Many, and Hun Manith, respectively the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Intelligence Chief—and his wife, Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross. He accused them of corruption, incompetence, and politically unjust discrimination.
The assassination of Lim Kimya raises a burning question: Was he targeted because of his political stance? This hypothesis seems likely to many international observers, and Phnom Penh’s lack of an official response further stokes suspicions.
The Government’s Eloquent Silence
Since the murder was announced, neither Hun Sen nor the government under his son Hun Manet has spoken. No official statements have been issued to condemn the attack, offer condolences to Lim Kimya’s family, or promise cooperation with Thai authorities to resolve the case. This silence is especially striking given Hun Sen’s usual propensity to personally address matters of political or public interest, regardless of their importance.
Many interpret this muteness as a political strategy. Acknowledging Lim Kimya’s murder might invite international criticism of Cambodia’s authoritarian governance. By remaining silent, Hun Sen may be attempting to downplay the event’s significance, hoping it will fade from public memory.
A Leaked Message from Hun Sen to His Agents
The controversy deepened with the disclosure of a leaked message allegedly from Hun Sen by confidential sources—implying that Hun Sen may face opposition within his own ranks. In this audio recording from September 2024, a voice purportedly belonging to Hun Sen is heard directing his “task forces” to eliminate Cambodian opposition members living in Thailand. He specifically targeted an opposition activist named Phan Phana, ordering him to be brought back to Cambodia “dead or alive.” Hun Sen allegedly instructed his agents—referred to as “our forces”—to collaborate with Thailand’s “Red Shirts” (supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra) but avoid involving Thai police.
This Khmer audio message can be heard here.
Although Phan Phana recently fled Thailand to the United States as a political refugee, it seems Hun Sen’s orders were carried out on another target: former opposition MP Lim Kimya.
Hun Sen now faces increased scrutiny, as Lim Kimya held dual French-Cambodian nationality. This paves the way for French authorities to launch a thorough investigation and file a case in a French court.
A Precedent in French Justice
Lim Kimya’s assassination echoes a previous case—my own. In 1997, I survived an assassination attempt in Phnom Penh that claimed the lives of 16 innocent bystanders. Holding French citizenship, I filed a complaint in a French court. After years of investigation, and despite the lack of any cooperation from the Cambodian authorities, a verdict is expected to be delivered in Paris by the end of March this year against two of Hun Sen’s bodyguard chiefs, Hing Bunheang and Huy Piseth. However, the spotlight is likely to turn toward Hun Sen himself, as it is improbable that these generals would have acted without his explicit directive. Hun Sen had personally placed me at the top of his blacklist.
Hun Sen Trapped in His Own Snare
The longer Hun Sen delays denying the authenticity of the above message—potentially explosive in the current circumstances—the more suspicions against him deepen. But his dilemma is evident: Denying an incriminating piece of evidence that appears genuine, given his known methods, risks fueling the fire threatening to consume him. He seems caught in a trap of his own making.
International Outrage
Phnom Penh’s silence has sparked a wave of indignation from international organizations and foreign governments. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have issued statements calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. The Thai government, under public pressure, has vowed to find those responsible. However, without clear and sincere cooperation from Cambodia, their efforts may be constrained or biased.
A Chilling Warning to Cambodian Exiles
Lim Kimya’s assassination sends a chilling message to the Cambodian diaspora. Many activists, journalists, and human rights defenders living in exile in countries like Thailand fear for their lives. This tragic event shows that even outside Cambodia’s borders, dissidents are not safe. It also highlights the intensifying trend of transnational repression—effectively the export of state terrorism—practiced by dictatorships worldwide.
[Photo by Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP]
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Sam Rainsy, Cambodia’s finance minister from 1993 to 1994, is the co-founder and acting leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
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