{
  "id": 509749,
  "title": "Anutin slams police treatment of suspect in PAO chief killing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/anutin-slams-police-treatment-of-suspect-in-pao-chief-killing",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-10T22:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Bangkok Post",
    "slug": "bangkok-post",
    "url": "https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3299448/anutin-slams-police-treatment-of-suspect-in-pao-chief-killing"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered Nonthaburi governor and police chief to swiftly address the case of former MP Chalong Riewraeng, accused of shooting dead PAO president Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert. Anutin emphasized no special treatment for the suspect, expressing displeasure at seeing images of him seemingly calm and smoking during questioning. The PM criticized police for not handcuffing the suspect during interviews. Chalong was apprehended after the incident at a PAO office. Anutin condemned local police for allowing relaxed behavior from the suspect, stating such conduct was unacceptable. The crime is serious, he said, adding that the shooter carried a firearm illegally, as his permit expired in 2023. Anutin instructed National Police Chief to handle the case properly and reprimand officers involved. Images of Chalong, relaxed and smoking during questioning, went viral, prompting the PM's inquiry into police handling of the suspect's appearance. Chalong's membership in the Bhumjaithai Party was irrelevant to government action, as his status may lapse due to criminal conduct. The former MP resigned from the party on May 27, 2024. The shooting occurred at a PAO office on Monday around 11am, with Chalong allegedly approaching the vehicle after Pol Col Thongchai finished a meeting. After lowering the window, Chalong allegedly fired four shots at the PAO chief, while the driver fled and later shot in the arm. Chalong remained at the scene and was taken to a police station for questioning. Anutin confirmed a preliminary report suggested the dispute involved an 11-million-baht debt owed by Chalong to Chongchai, though the motive was yet to be conclusively established. The suspect confessed to the shooting, though investigators are assessing his statement.",
  "summary": "Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the Nonthaburi governor and provincial police chief to take decisive action in the case of former MP Chalong Riewraeng allegedly shooting dead Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) president Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}