Thai ex-lawmaker shoots local official dead over loan
A former lawmaker confessed to shooting a senior official at a government office over a money dispute, police have said. The incident came just days after Thailand's deadliest shooting in nearly four years.
Former lawmaker Chalong Riewraeng has been arrested after allegedly shooting and killing local politician Thongchai Yenprasert, according to Thai police. The incident occurred at a government office outside Bangkok on Monday. Police sources reported that Chalong confessed to the shooting, stating he had attempted to speak with Thongchai about money.
When Thongchai refused, Chalong pulled his gun, claiming he did not aim to shoot but the victim's driver intervened, prompting Chalong to fire. Thongchai, who served as chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, died from his injuries. His driver sustained injuries and underwent successful surgery. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that only on-duty officials are permitted to carry firearms in public, noting that the last gun-carry licenses were issued three years ago and were valid for only one year.
Authorities will pursue full legal action against Chalong, a former member of the prime minister's party. The motive behind the shooting, as per Chalong's confession, was reportedly a personal issue concerning money, with Chalong allegedly borrowing several million baht from Thongchai over several years and repeatedly asking for repayment.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
