Former Thai lawmaker arrested after allegedly shooting government official

Former Thai lawmaker Chalong Riewrang was arrested on Monday after allegedly shooting a local government official and his driver, according to police. Nonthaburi police chief Dejrapee Kongdee stated that Chalong was taken to the local police station and is being investigated regarding his motive. The two victims are currently receiving treatment at a hospital; the chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration was seriously injured, while the driver's condition remains unspecified.

The police have not confirmed any fatalities resulting from the alleged incident. Local media suggested that the shooting may have been due to a private dispute, but police chief Dejrapee declined to comment on the matter. Chalong had made a statement on YouTube, a CBS News partner network, declaring that he had carried out the attack.

Anchalee Paireerak, a political commentator and former journalist, was present at the time and reacted with shock, instructing Chalong to wait for the police's arrival. Chalong, a former member of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's party, faces the serious consequences of his alleged actions. In addition to this incident, a 14-year-old boy recently shot dead his grandparents, who raised him, as well as at least six others at his school before taking his own life.

Thailand, known for having one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the region, with an estimated 10 million firearms in circulation, roughly one for every seven inhabitants, has been facing increasing concerns regarding gun laws. Despite recent promises of stricter regulations following previous shootings, past pledges have not effectively prevented repeated incidents of gun violence in the country.