Ex-Thai MP accused of shooting local official and driver: Police

Former Thai lawmaker Chalong Riewrang has been accused of shooting and killing Provincial Administrative Organization chairman Thongchai Yenprasert outside a government office in Nonthaburi, a city bordering Bangkok. The incident occurred on Monday (August 10), days after a school shooting in the same province reignited discussions about gun control in Thailand.

Police Lieutenant General Wattana Yijin stated that the shooting was personal, stemming from a dispute over borrowed money. Chalong admitted to confronting Thongchai about the money, claiming he attempted to talk but was rebuffed. He said he pulled his gun when Thongchai's driver pointed a weapon at him. Thongchai was shot in the neck and died later at Phra Nang Klao Hospital, while his driver sustained a wound to his right arm and underwent successful surgery.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul condemned the act, emphasizing that only on-duty officials are legally allowed to carry firearms in public. Chalong, a former member of the prime minister's party, has confessed to being the sole shooter. Both parties had guns, according to regional police commander Wattana Yeechin. A firearm was found in Thongchai's vehicle, but it was not used, while CCTV footage showed Chalong firing his weapon from close range.

The dispute over the money reportedly involved several million baht (tens of thousands of US dollars), which Thongchai had borrowed from Chalong over several years and demanded repayment multiple times. Nonthaburi Governor Chestha Mosikarat stated that the suspect and victim were friends for a long time, and the incident likely stemmed from a misunderstanding.

Thailand has experienced a series of violent incidents recently, including a 14-year-old boy's rampage at his home and a school in Nonthaburi, which left nine people dead and over 20 wounded, marking the country's deadliest mass shooting in nearly four years. In response to the school shooting, Thai authorities have vowed to tighten gun controls and implement new safety protocols in schools.