Ex-Thai MP shoots dead local official over money row

A former Thai member of parliament shot and killed a local government official in a financial dispute, before being apprehended and admitting to the crime to journalists at the scene. The incident occurred outside a government building in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok, just days after a school shooting that raised concerns about gun control in Thailand.

Chalong Riewrang, the ex-MP, told reporters he had confronted local official Thongchai Yenprasert about money. He claimed he approached Thongchai's car, saying he wanted to talk, but the official refused to engage. Chalong then pulled his gun, stating he did not intend to shoot, but Thongchai's driver drew a weapon and pointed it at him, prompting Chalong to fire.

Thongchai, who served as the chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, died from his injuries, according to Sakon Sukprom, the director of Phra Nang Klao hospital. Thongchai was shot in the neck and suffered significant blood loss. The incident involved both parties having firearms, according to regional police commander Wattana Yeechin. CCTV footage showed Chalong firing his weapon from close range, while Thongchai's vehicle contained a gun that had not been used.

The dispute, as per Chalong's confession, centered around a significant amount of money - several million baht - that the chairman had borrowed from him over several years and failed to repay. Previous pledges for stricter gun laws in Thailand have not been effective, as repeated shootings continue to occur. The country has an estimated 10 million firearms in circulation, roughly one for every seven inhabitants.