- Chalong Riewrang, a former Thai MP, allegedly shoots and kills provincial official Thongchai, who died in hospital after being hit in the neck; his driver was shot in the arm and hand.
- Chalong was arrested but allowed to hold a press conference at a police station, where he smoked a cigarette and described his actions for over six minutes.
- Chalong claimed he fired only after Thongchai's driver pulled a gun, stating he did not intend to shoot Thongchai, whom he described as a 'good friend'.
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called the police treatment of Chalong "shocking" and stated that "full legal action" will be pursued against him.
- The Nonthaburi provincial governor denied Chalong received privileges, stating he was allowed to smoke because he was stressed and his hands were shaking.
Former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Riewrang allegedly shot and killed Thongchai Yenprasert, a retired police colonel and provincial official, during an altercation outside Thongchai's office. Chalong confessed to the crime during a YouTube livestream with political commentator Anchalee Paireerak.1
Chalong stated, "When I pulled the gun out, I didn't intend to shoot him. But then [Thongchai's driver] pulled his gun out and pointed it at me, so I fired." Thongchai was shot in the neck and later died in the hospital, while his driver sustained injuries to his arm and hand.
Despite being arrested, Chalong was allowed to hold a press conference at a police station, where he described the incident in detail while smoking a cigarette. Police justified this unusual decision by claiming it was to allow Chalong to apologize to the victim's family. However, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul criticized the police's handling of the situation, calling it "shocking" and stating, "No matter who he is, he is now a murderer." He emphasized that authorities would pursue "full legal action" against Chalong.2356
The Nonthaburi provincial governor defended the police's actions, denying that Chalong received any special treatment and explaining that he was allowed to smoke due to stress and shaking hands.
“Chalong, who was arrested, was permitted to hold a press conference at a police station where he smoked and detailed his actions for over six minutes, claiming he fired only after the victim's driver pulled a gun. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called the police treatment 'shocking' and vowed 'full legal action', while the provincial governor denied any privileges were granted.”
BBC
