Murder in Cambodia

“Thought I would share some news I found while surfing:


PHNOM PENH (AFX) - Former Khmer Rouge commander General Sam Bith was arrested in connection with the 1994 murders of Australian, French and British backpackers, military officials said.

"Sam Bith was arrested this morning by Cambodian police officials and he has already been brought to Phnom Penh," co-defence minister Tea Banh said.

"We did it in accordance with the law and a warrant issued by the courts."

Cambodian authorities had been searching for Sam Bith, who had reportedly been living in a luxury apartment in the former Khmer Rouge stronghold of Pailin in northwestern Cambodia.

He was wanted in connection for the kidnapping and murder of Australian David Wilson, Briton Mark Slater and Frenchman Jean-Michel Braquet. A warrant for his arrest was issued in 1999.

Sam Bith was a former deputy to the Khmer Rouge military chief Ta Mok.

He was arrested in the northwestern city Battambang, interior ministry information department spokesman Sok Phal said.

"He is now being detained at the interior ministry and he will be brought to court this afternoon as requested by court officials."

Colonel Chhouk Rin, was jailed for ordering the train ambush that began the backpackers' ordeal, but he was released after an amnesty deal with the government that helped end the country's long-running civil war.

General Nuon Paet was charged and jailed for life for his part in the killings in May 1999.

However, Sam Bith had remained at large despite intense lobbying from the Australian, British and French governments.”

“Whew, I thought you meant there was an incident recently. I know an acquintance that's visiting those parts...3 weeks in Thailand, 3 weeks in Cambodia...just left for 2 weeks in Vietnam. He'll be also going to Singabore, Indonesia and finally stay in Australia for the rest of his one year trip...planned to work abit in Oz.”

“And the moral to the story...Don't freaking backpack in Cambodia..”