Chalong Rewareng, a former member of parliament in Nonthaburi, Thailand, has been accused of shooting and killing local official Thongchai Yenprasert. After the incident, he called a political commentator who was doing a live YouTube program. Police have arrested the suspect.
Bangkok: A former lawmaker in Thailand’s Nonthaburi province has been charged with shooting and killing a local official. After the incident, the suspect allegedly called a political commentator during a YouTube livestream and informed her of the incident. Police have arrested him.
Officer shot outside office
According to local media reports, former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Rewareng shot Thongchai Yenprasert. Thongchai was previously a police officer and served as chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization. Tensions between the two reportedly arose over a personal dispute. Chalong claimed to police that he had gone to Thongchai’s office to speak with him. During the conversation, an argument reportedly escalated between the two.
According to Chalong, Thongchai refused to speak to him and pushed him. He then went towards Thongchai’s car. The former MP claimed that he pulled out his pistol, but did not intend to fire.
Claims of driver’s weapon removal
The former MP told police that when he pulled out a gun, Thongchai’s driver allegedly pulled out a weapon and pointed it at him. He then fired. The bullet struck Thongchai in the neck. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died. Thongchai’s driver was also injured in the incident, suffering gunshot wounds to his hand and arm. However, police are investigating the full circumstances of the incident. The former MP’s statement and other aspects of the incident are being independently investigated.
Alleged confession made during YouTube livestream
The incident escalated further when Chalong called political commentator Anchalee Parirak. Anchalee was conducting a live program on YouTube at the time. During the livestream, Anchalee answered the call. During the call, she learned that something serious had happened. During the conversation, she appeared shocked and reportedly asked if Thongchai was dead. Anchalee told Chalong over the phone to remain at the scene and not leave until the police arrived. A portion of this conversation was recorded on the livestream, quickly drawing public attention to the incident.
Press conference at the police station
Following his arrest, Chalong was detained by police. He was then given the opportunity to present his case to the media at the police station. During the press conference, he was seen smoking a cigarette while discussing the incident. He described Thongchai as a good friend and said he did not intend to shoot him. He also claimed that Thongchai was angry with him, although he did not provide a clear reason for this anger. According to local media, there appears to be a personal dispute between the two.
Investigation into the motive for the murder continues
Police are now trying to determine the motive behind the shooting. The investigation is looking into the alleged personal dispute between the two, the circumstances at the scene, and the weapons used.
It will also be important for authorities to investigate the former MP’s claim that the driver pulled out the weapon first.
Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident, examining eyewitness accounts and available evidence to understand the circumstances surrounding Thongchai’s death and the injury to his driver.
Thailand renews debate on gun laws
The incident comes at a time when debate over gun control is already escalating in Thailand. Thailand has a relatively high rate of gun ownership among its citizens in Southeast Asia. Just three days before this shooting, the country witnessed a separate and very serious shooting incident in which a 14-year-old boy killed eight people at his home and school before committing suicide. No connection is known between the two incidents.
Following that incident, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered stricter enforcement of gun laws. The government vowed to strengthen controls on the possession, carrying, and use of weapons. Police also announced plans to set up checkpoints to increase surveillance on the illegal movement and use of weapons.
Frequent shooting incidents raise concerns
Recent shootings in Thailand have raised concerns about public safety and gun control. This could intensify debate among experts and civil society groups about how effectively existing laws are being enforced. The recent case involving a former MP has also given this discussion a new political dimension. The investigation is under nationwide scrutiny as a former elected representative has been accused of murdering a senior local government official. Only after the police investigation is complete will it be clear what the circumstances of the shooting were and how much the alleged dispute played a role in the murder. The accused is currently in police custody, and the legal process in the case is progressing.