Ex-Thai lawmaker shoots local official dead over financial dispute

A former Thai member of parliament shot and killed a local government official in broad daylight on Monday following a financial dispute. The ex-MP, Chalong Riewrang, was arrested and later confessed to journalists at a police station, detailing the confrontation.

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I followed him to his car and hit his car’s window, saying I want to talk. He said he will not talk, so I pulled my gun. I did not aim to shoot, but his driver pulled a gun and pointed it at me so I fired.

Riewrang claimed he attempted to discuss money owed to him by the official, Thongchai Yenprasert, who chaired the Nonthaburi local government administration. "I followed him to his car and hit his car’s window, saying I want to talk. He said he will not talk, so I pulled my gun," Riewrang admitted, adding, "I did not aim to shoot, but his driver pulled a gun and pointed it at me so I fired."

Thongchai died from wounds to the neck, while his driver sustained a gunshot wound to the arm but survived surgery. Police commander Wattana Yeechin stated the dispute involved several million baht, describing it as a private matter concerning money the victim had borrowed from Riewrang years prior. CCTV footage reportedly showed only Riewrang firing his weapon.

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No matter who he is, he is now a murderer.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated that only on-duty officials are legally permitted to carry firearms in public in Thailand. He confirmed that full legal action would be taken against Riewrang, regardless of his former political status. The incident occurred shortly after a school shooting in the same region, which had already intensified discussions about gun control in the country.

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It was a private issue. According to his confession, it was about money that the… chairman borrowed from him for several years, and he asked for the return of the money several times.