Ex-Thai MP accused of shooting local official and driver: Police

Police in Thailand have arrested a former member of parliament, Chalong Riewrang, in connection with the alleged shooting and wounding of a local government official and his driver. The incident took place in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok, on Monday, August 10.

Nonthaburi police chief Dejrapee Kongdee stated that Riewrang was taken into custody and is being investigated for his motive. The two victims are receiving hospital treatment. The chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration sustained serious injuries, while his driver's condition has not been detailed.

Local media have suggested a private dispute may have been the cause of the shooting, but police have declined to comment on the motive. Riewrang was formerly associated with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's party. This incident follows a school shooting in the same region on Friday, where a 14-year-old boy killed his grandparents and six others before taking his own life, raising concerns about gun control.

Thailand has a high rate of gun ownership, with an estimated 10 million firearms in circulation. Despite official promises to implement stricter gun laws in the wake of Friday's tragedy, previous pledges have not prevented repeated instances of gun violence.

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We are investigating him in regard to his motive. The two who were shot are being treated at a hospital.