A former member of Thailand’s parliament was arrested on Monday, August 10, for allegedly shooting and wounding a local government official and his driver in Nonthaburi province, police confirmed. The incident occurred just days after a deadly school shooting in the same region, renewing scrutiny over gun control policies in the country.
Police confirm arrest of ex-MP Chalong Riewrang
Police in Nonthaburi said Chalong Riewrang, a former MP, was detained and taken to Rattanathibet police station for questioning. Major General Dejrapee Kongdee, provincial police commander, stated that the two victims—a senior local official and his driver—were hospitalized with injuries. The official, identified as Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert, the president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO), was declared dead at Phranangklao Hospital after receiving emergency treatment following the shooting.
According to police, Riewrang allegedly forced his way into Thongchai’s office in Muang district around 11:00 AM and fired multiple shots. Riewrang later called a television anchor, Anchalee Paireerak, during a live broadcast and stated he had shot Thongchai, claiming the official owed him 11 million baht and had refused to repay the debt. Paireerak urged him to drop the weapon and wait for authorities.
Incident follows deadly school shooting in same province
The attack occurred days after a 14-year-old boy killed nine people—including his grandparents and six others at Debsirin Nonthaburi School—before taking his own life. The school shooting was Thailand’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly four years and reignited national debate over gun laws.
In response, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated plans to strengthen gun control measures, though previous commitments have not yet resulted in legislative changes. Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the region, with an estimated 10 million firearms in circulation—roughly one for every seven inhabitants.
Investigation ongoing into motive and circumstances
Police have not yet confirmed whether additional charges will be filed against Riewrang, who previously served as an MP for the Thai Citizen Party, Pheu Thai Party, and later the Bhumjaithai Party. Authorities continue to examine the alleged financial dispute as a possible motive, though no official conclusions have been reached.
Thai schoolchildren returned to classrooms on Monday under heightened security, with some students subjected to metal detectors and additional screenings as part of new safety protocols.