- Chalong Riewrang, a former member of Thailand's parliament, was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing Thongchai Yenprasert, the chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, amid a personal dispute over borrowed money.
- The shooting occurred at the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization office, where Thongchai was shot in the head and seriously injured, and his driver was also wounded.
- Thongchai later died of his wounds at Phra Nang Klao Hospital, according to hospital officials.
- In police custody, Chalong stated that he confronted Thongchai over a long-standing dispute, but when Thongchai drove away, he pulled a gun, prompting Chalong to fire.
- The shooting incident involving Chalong Riewrang occurred just days after a school shooting in Nonthaburi, where a 14-year-old boy killed nine people, raising concerns over gun control in Thailand.
- Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the region, with around 10 million firearms estimated to be in circulation.
- In response to the recent violence, officials have promised stricter gun laws, although previous pledges have failed to prevent repeated shootings.
Former Thai MP Chalong Riewrang was arrested for allegedly shooting Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, during a personal dispute over borrowed money. The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. local time on August 10, 2026, at the organization's office.12345
Yenprasert was shot in the head and later succumbed to his injuries at Phra Nang Klao Hospital, according to hospital director Dr. Sakol Sookprome. His driver was also injured but is not in critical condition. Police chief Dejrapee Kongdee confirmed the arrest and stated, "We are investigating him in regard to his motive. The two who were shot are being treated at a hospital."6
The shooting follows a recent school shooting in Nonthaburi that left nine dead, raising concerns over gun control in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the region, with around 10 million firearms estimated to be in circulation. Police Lieutenant General Wattana Yijin indicated that the motive for the shooting was personal, stemming from a disagreement over money. Chalong claimed he confronted Yenprasert, but when the latter attempted to leave, he felt threatened and fired his weapon.91011
This incident has intensified discussions about gun laws in Thailand, with officials promising stricter regulations following the recent surge in gun violence, including the tragic school shooting that occurred just days prior.
“The official, Thongchai Yenprasert, died at Phra Nang Klao Hospital, while his driver was wounded but not critical. The shooting came days after a school massacre that left nine dead, prompting Prime Minister Anutin to order stricter gun enforcement and new school safety protocols.”
