Ex-Thai MP shoots dead local official over money row

In Nonthaburi province, northern Thailand, a former member of parliament shot dead a local government official over a financial disagreement on Monday. The attack occurred outside a government building in broad daylight, just days after a school shooting in the same region that sparked discussions about gun control in Thailand.

The victim, Thongchai Yenprasert, who had been chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, later died from his injuries at Phra Nang Klao hospital. According to Sakon Sukprom, the hospital's director, Thongchai was shot in the neck and suffered significant blood loss. His driver was also wounded in his right arm but survived surgery.

The former MP, Chalong Riewrang, confessed to the incident while being flanked by police officers. He claimed he had attempted to discuss the money issue with Thongchai but was refused. Instead, Chalong stated he pulled his gun when Thongchai's driver pointed one at him. CCTV footage, however, showed only Chalong firing his weapon from close range, while both sides had firearms present, according to regional police commander Wattana Yeechin.

The dispute, as per Chalong's confession, centered on a significant sum of money - several million baht - that Thongchai allegedly borrowed from him over several years. Chalong had asked for the repayment multiple times, likely leading to a misunderstanding. Nonthaburi governor Chestha Mosikarat suggested the incident stemmed from a mistaken belief that they were friends, describing the event as a private matter.

Thailand is known for having a high rate of gun ownership, with an estimated 10 million firearms in circulation, roughly one for every seven inhabitants. Following a school shooting in Nonthaburi on Friday where a 14-year-old killed his grandparents, six others at his school, and took his own life, officials have vowed to implement stricter gun laws. However, past commitments to such measures have not yet prevented the recurring occurrence of shootings in the country.