Thai Ex-Lawmaker Shoots Local Official Dead Over Loan
A Thai former lawmaker confessed to shooting a senior official at a government office over a money dispute, police have said.
Former Thai lawmaker Chalong Riewraeng shot and killed local politician Thongchai Yenprasert outside a government office on Monday, claiming it was a misunderstanding over money. Chalong, who confessed to the police, said he attempted to speak with Thongchai about a loan he had borrowed and asked for its return on multiple occasions.
When Thongchai refused, Chalong pulled his gun, as Thongchai's driver had drawn a weapon as well. Thongchai, the chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, succumbed to his wounds at Phra Nang Klao hospital. The victim's driver was also injured and underwent surgery. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that only on-duty officials are allowed to carry firearms in public and that the last gun-carry licenses were issued three years ago, only valid for one year.
The incident is believed to be a personal dispute, likely stemming from a disagreement over the repayment of several million baht that Chalong had borrowed from Thongchai over several years. Gun control remains a contentious issue in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of gun ownership per capita in Southeast Asia.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
