Former Thai MP Confesses to Shooting Local Official During Live YouTube Call
A former Member of Parliament from the non‑thrust province of Nonthaburi, Chalong Reawraeng, reportedly shot former police officer Thongchai Yenprasert outside the officer’s office on Monday. Thongchai was killed in hospital, while his driver was wounded.
Following his arrest, the MP was allowed to hold a press conference at a police station. He spoke to reporters while smoking, saying that Thongchai had been “angry” and that he had not intended to shoot, though a confrontation escalated when the official’s driver took out a gun.
During the press conference, Reawraeng called political commentator Anchalee Paireerak, who was livestreaming on YouTube. He confessed to the shooting, describing it as an unintended act triggered by an argument, yet he admitted the gun had fired when the situation escalated.
The incident comes three days after a tragic school shooting that left 12 victims, further sparking debate over Thailand’s firearm laws. The government has responded by urging stricter enforcement of gun regulations and the establishment of new checkpoints.
