BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai MP Parit “Itim” Wacharasindhu has urged the public not to take Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s recent remarks about Thai politics too seriously, while calling on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to take swift action over the murder of Cambodian opposition activist Lim Kim Ya in Bangkok earlier this year.
Parit, a list MP and spokesperson for the People’s Party, responded to Hun Sen’s public comment that Thailand would see a new prime minister within three months, suggesting the remark was an attempt to portray himself as deeply involved in Thai politics.
“Let’s not be swayed by what Hun Sen says. What the Thai government should focus on is the urgent need to investigate the political assassination of a Cambodian opposition figure on Thai soil,” Parit said.
He emphasized that the incident, which occurred earlier this year in Bangkok, involves serious human rights implications. Parit criticized the Thai government’s silence, particularly the lack of clear action or statements from the Prime Minister, despite the crime happening under her administration.
“If the Prime Minister takes this matter seriously and acts, it will counter suspicions that she or her government knew about the event in advance. Failure to act only raises more questions,” he added.
Parit said Thailand could gain international diplomatic leverage if it pursues a transparent investigation into the killing, especially amid rising tensions with Cambodia. He urged the Thai government to use this opportunity to show its commitment to human rights and international norms.
He also responded to recent Cambodian accusations that Thailand had damaged regional relations by portraying Cambodia as a hub for call center scams.
“In ASEAN, we always say we are one community. But if part of that community does something that compromises the security or quality of life of Thai people, we can’t just remain silent,” Parit said.
While affirming the importance of regional cooperation, he stressed that such ties must not come at the cost of Thailand’s internal stability and public safety.
