Former Thai Lawmaker Arrested After Fatal Shooting of Local Official in Financial Dispute

A former Thai lawmaker has been taken into police custody following a daylight shooting that left a local government official dead and his driver injured outside a government building in Nonthaburi province.

The suspect, former MP Chalong Riewrang, allegedly confronted Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, over a longstanding financial dispute involving several million baht. According to police reports, Chalong approached Thongchai’s vehicle to demand repayment. When the official declined to speak, Chalong opened fire at close range.

Thongchai sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the neck and later succumbed to massive blood loss at a local hospital. His driver suffered a gunshot injury to the arm and underwent surgery.

Authorities recovered an unfired weapon inside the victim’s car, though CCTV footage confirmed Chalong was the sole shooter. Regional police commander Wattana Yeechin stated that the incident stemmed from a personal financial matter between long-time acquaintances.

Addressing the incident, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that full legal action would be pursued against the former politician, emphasizing that public firearm possession is illegal in Thailand without valid licensing.

The attack comes amid heightened scrutiny of gun control in Thailand following a series of tragic violent incidents across the region.