Former Thai MP kills official in dispute over money
A former Thai lawmaker, Chalong Riewrang, shot and killed local government official Thongchai Yenprasert outside a government building in Nonthaburi province. The incident reportedly stemmed from a financial disagreement between the two, who were said to have been friends for a long time. Chalong confessed to the shooting after being arrested and claimed it was not his intention to kill. The event has reignited concerns about gun control in Thailand.
What we know
- Chalong Riewrang, a former MP, shot Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, following a dispute over money.
- The shooting occurred in broad daylight outside a government building in Nonthaburi province.
- Chalong claimed he fired after Thongchai's driver pointed a gun at him; the driver was also shot and wounded but survived after surgery.
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that only on-duty officials are allowed to carry guns in public and promised full legal action against Chalong.
- The dispute involved several million baht, and authorities noted both sides had firearms, but only Chalong fired his weapon.
