Nonthaburi shooting leaves a Thai local government chief dead after a former lawmaker allegedly opened fire over a money dispute.
Former Thai Lawmaker Arrested After Senior Official Shot Dead in Nonthaburi
A senior Thai local government official, Thongchai Yenprasert, was shot at his government office in Nonthaburi, just outside Bangkok, on Monday, August 10. He later died in hospital.
Thongchai’s driver was also shot during the incident but survived.
Police arrested Chalong Riewrang, a former Thai lawmaker, in connection with the shooting.
Investigators believe the attack stemmed from a personal financial dispute involving borrowed money rather than political motives.
Chalong told police he had gone to confront Thongchai over a longstanding disagreement. He claimed the situation escalated near Thongchai’s vehicle and that a gun was drawn before he opened fire.
Police have not confirmed whether Thongchai was armed, meaning that part of the incident remains the suspect’s account.
The shooting comes only three days after the August 7 school shooting in Nonthaburi, carried out by a 14-year-old boy. That attack ultimately killed nine people, including the shooter, and wounded more than 20.
The two shootings have intensified concerns over gun violence in Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is now pushing tougher enforcement of gun restrictions, increased police checkpoints and tighter controls on carrying firearms.
Schools are also introducing stronger security measures following the recent violence.
