Thailand rocked by second shooting tragedy in three days
A gunman is arrested after firing shots at a local government office on the outskirts of Bangkok with a former member of parliament accused of killing a former colonel whom he had known for years, and wounding his driver.
Thailand experienced a second shooting tragedy within three days when a former member of parliament, Thongchai Yenprasert, was killed by another individual, Chalong Riewrang. Former police colonel Yenprasert died from gunshot wounds at a government building near Bangkok while his driver sustained serious injuries. Police are investigating the motive, speculating a financial dispute as a possible cause.
Chalong Riewrang, a former police colonel, opened fire after a disagreement over borrowed money, as stated by Police Lieutenant General Wattana Yijin. The provincial official's driver was also injured but is not in critical condition. Chalong Riewrang claimed he went to confront the victim over an ongoing dispute but pulled a gun and fled the scene.
The first shooting incident in the same region last week involved a teenager who killed nine people, including himself, and wounded over 20 others at a school, sparking debate on gun control measures in Thailand. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to tighten gun controls following the school shooting, while the Education Ministry plans to implement new safety protocols, including mental health screenings, emergency response drills, and weapon detection measures.
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