Death Penalty Reduced for Ex-Marine in Cambodian Lawmaker's Murder Case

A Thai court has reduced the death penalty to life imprisonment for Ekkalak Paenoi, a former Thai marine found guilty of the premeditated murder of former Cambodian opposition lawmaker Lim Kimya in Bangkok. The verdict, delivered on Friday, marked a key development in a case that captured international attention.

The life sentence follows a confession by Ekkalak, who shot Kimya, 74, in January shortly after the lawmaker arrived from Cambodia. Ekkalak, who was apprehended in Cambodia a day later, was also convicted of public firearm use. Following his confession, Ekkalak's death sentence was adjusted to life imprisonment.

Additionally, Ekkalak is required to compensate the victim's family to the tune of 1.79 million baht ($55,162). Meanwhile, two Cambodian nationals linked to the killing remain at large, with warrants issued for their arrest. The victim's family continues to urge Thai authorities to diligently pursue justice in the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)