In brief
A former Nonthaburi MP, Chalong Riewrang, allegedly fired at a former police official on the outskirts of Bangkok and then called a live‑streaming political pundit to explain the act. Police granted him a press conference in a station, where he stated the shooting was unintentional and apologized. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul condemned the lenient treatment of the suspect, vowing legal action. The incident follows a national dialogue on gun control sparked by a recent mass shooting.
Former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Riewrang reportedly shot former police officer Thongchai Yenprasert outside the officer’s office on the northern outskirts of Bangkok. Yenprasert was hit in the neck and later died in hospital, while his driver was wounded in the arm and hand.
After the incident, Riewrang called a political commentator, Anchalee Paireerak, on a YouTube livestream to admit the killing. The host, who was live‑streaming her show, reacted in shock as Riewrang briefed her on the facts.
Police admitted Riewrang to the scene and, unusually, allowed him to hold a press conference at the station. While smoking, he explained the shooting, claiming he had no intent to kill and that Yenprasert was a “good friend.” He said the confrontation with the former officer had escalated before the fatal shoot.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul condemned the action of the police who granted the former MP a press conference without restraints. “The wrongdoer did not wear handcuffs and could speak as if it was normal,” he said. He pledged full legal action against Riewrang.
The shooting has intensified debate over Thailand’s high gun ownership rate, following a tragic mass shooting by a 14‑year‑old earlier in August. The government has announced tougher enforcement of gun laws and new checkpoints to curb firearm incursions.
For journalists covering the incident, the following images capture key moments: the ex‑MP smoking at the police station and forensic officers inspecting the crime scene.
