AFTER several hours of interrogation today (Jan. 12) the suspect in the killing of a former Cambodian MP in Banglamphu area of Bangkok last Tuesday revealed almost all the information holding back on naming the mastermind who he said was his benefactor, TV Channel 7 said.
Chana Songkhram police station investigators said Mr. Ekalak Paenoi, the ex-Marine gunman whose nickname is “Sgt. Em Kongruea”, claimed he only accepted the job because he wanted to repay a favour to his unnamed benefactor.
The suspect revealed that his civilian benefactor hired him to kill Mr. Lim Kimya, the ex-Khmer lawmaker previously attached to the Cambodia National Rescue Party, less than 24 hours before he fatally shot him on a street in Banglamphu area.
He said he at first refused to do so but his benefactor kept calling him and persuading him until he agreed for payment of 60,000 baht with 30,000 baht being paid beforehand.
Upon getting the cash he redeemed his pistol which he had pawned for 2,000 baht.
He added that those behind the scenes constantly sent him messages on Line app such as the physical description of the slain Cambodian lawmaker and where he was. Even while fleeing to Cambodia they messaged him on where to go.
Police said the information on the suspect’s mobile phone matched his testimony.
In addition police are urgently expanding their investigation into the two 30,000 baht transfers into his account – focusing on finding out whether someone in Thailand had sent him the money.
CAPTION:
Mr. Ekalak Paenoi who is suspected to have killed former Cambodian MP Mr. Lim Kimya. Top photo: Naewna, Front Page photo: Thai Rath
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