‘M Kong Ruea’ extradited to Thailand for investigation in former Cambodian MP’s murder case

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M Kong Ruea Extradited: Suspect in Former Cambodian MP’s murder brought to Thailand for investigation.

SA KAEO, Thailand – “Ekkalak, aka M Kong Ruea,” the suspect in the murder of a former Cambodian MP, has been handed over to Thai authorities by Cambodian police for further legal proceedings. The suspect will be taken to Chanasongkram Police Station in Bangkok for questioning.

On January 11, Cambodian officials transferred Ekkalak Kong Ruea, 41, who is wanted under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court (No. 84/2568, dated January 8, 2025) on charges of “premeditated murder” and violations of the Firearms Act. The suspect was detained in Phnom Penh before being transported by car to the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo Province at 5:50 AM.


At approximately 11:30 AM, Pol. Col. Napattarapong Supaporn, Superintendent of the Sa Kaeo Immigration Office, along with Immigration Police and Khlong Luek Police officers, coordinated with Cambodian authorities to facilitate the cross-border handover. The suspect was then transferred to Thai authorities, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Somprasong Yentuam, Assistant National Police Chief, Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradech Thamsuthee, Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Investigation Division, and an investigative team from the Bangkok Metropolitan Police. Ekkalak was subsequently flown to Bangkok via a police helicopter.



Reports indicate that upon arrival at the Police Aviation Division, the heavily armed Arintharat 26 special forces unit will escort the suspect. Pol. Lt. Gen. Somprasong and Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, the Bangkok Police Commissioner, are expected to hold a press conference about the case at 3:00 PM.

Following the briefing, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam will lead an investigative team and transport the suspect from the Police Aviation Division to Chanasongkram Police Station. The convoy will include a special operations patrol vehicle (Police 191) at the front, while Arintharat 26 officers in an armed escort vehicle will guard the rear. (TNA)