A former member of Thailand’s parliament allegedly shot and killed a local government official in the area north of Bangkok, authorities said. The incident occurred when Chalong Reawraeng, who previously served as an MP from Nonthaburi Province, allegedly opened fire on Thongchai Yenprasert, a retired police colonel and head of a provincial administrative organization. Thongchai was struck in the neck and subsequently died at a hospital. A driver accompanying Thongchai sustained gunshot wounds to the arm and hand.
Following the alleged shooting, Reawraeng contacted political commentator Anchalee Paireerak, who was conducting a live broadcast on YouTube at the time. The former lawmaker informed the host of what he had done, and Anchalee was seen on video expressing shock and urging him to remain at the scene. Police subsequently arrested Reawraeng and later permitted him to address media at a police station, an unusual decision that drew scrutiny.
During the press conference, Reawraeng described the encounter in detail over several minutes. He characterized Thongchai as a “good friend” and a “good person” and stated he had not intended to shoot him. According to his account, Thongchai pushed him away after Reawraeng attempted to initiate a conversation, leading to a physical altercation. Reawraeng claimed he drew a firearm but that Thongchai’s driver then drew his own weapon and pointed it at him, prompting him to fire.
The incident prompted criticism from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who questioned the police’s handling of the suspect, noting that the former lawmaker was not restrained and was permitted to smoke during his statement to media. The prime minister emphasized that Reawraeng would face full legal action regardless of his previous political status. Provincial officials defended the decision to allow the press conference, attributing the permitted smoking to Reawraeng’s stated stress levels.
The shooting occurred three days after a separate mass shooting incident involving a 14-year-old, and the incident is expected to intensify discussions regarding firearm regulation in Thailand, which maintains the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia.
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