Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered Nonthaburi's governor and provincial police chief to act decisively against former MP Chalong Riewraeng, accused of shooting dead Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation president Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert.
Mr Anutin said that the suspect must receive no special treatment or assistance, regardless of his standing. Mr Chalong was arrested soon after the shooting at a PAO office.
PM challenges police handling
The prime minister said he was disturbed by online images showing Mr Chalong apparently relaxed, smoking a cigarette and speaking to media during police questioning without handcuffs.
"The case is a serious crime that has shaken public confidence," Mr Anutin said. He described the police handling as unacceptable and said he had instructed National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch to ensure the case was properly handled and officers involved were reprimanded.
"The crime has already been committed. He carried a firearm illegally. Even if he had an ownership licence, the carry permit system expired in 2023. Anyone carrying a gun now is breaking the law," he said.
Shooting followed alleged debt dispute
The shooting happened at about 11am on Monday 10 August, behind the PAO building near the city planning office. Police found a black Volvo van with its engine running in the car park.
Pol Col Thongchai, 71, had finished a meeting and was preparing to leave when Mr Chalong allegedly approached the vehicle. The pair had known each other for years and were reportedly friends.
Police said Mr Chalong knocked on the driver's-side window and, after it was lowered, allegedly fired at the PAO chief. Pol Col Thongchai was hit four times, in the chin, face, forehead and neck, and taken to Phra Nang Klao Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him. He was later pronounced dead.
His driver, Yot, fled towards Nonthaburi provincial hall. Mr Chalong allegedly pursued him and fired another shot, striking him in the right arm. The former MP remained at the scene and was taken to Rattanathibet police station for questioning.
Police have not conclusively established a motive. A preliminary report indicated the dispute concerned an alleged 11-million-baht personal debt owed by Pol Col Thongchai to Mr Chalong, who reportedly went to the PAO office seeking repayment after earlier attempts had failed.
Party status and gun claim examined
After the shooting, Mr Chalong reportedly called online broadcaster Anchalee Paireerak while she was hosting a live programme, telling her he had shot Pol Col Thongchai. Ms Anchalee persuaded him to put down his gun and await police, while her outlet's staff contacted Rattanathibet police.
Provincial Police Region 1 commissioner Pol Lt Gen Wattana Yeechin said Mr Chalong had confessed, though investigators were still assessing his account.
His claim that he fired only after the PAO chief's driver drew a gun is also being investigated. Police said neither of the two firearms found in the PAO chief's vehicle appeared to have been fired.
Mr Anutin said Mr Chalong's Bhumjaithai Party status was irrelevant, adding that membership could automatically lapse under rules barring criminal conduct. Party registrar Traisulee Taisaranakul said Mr Chalong resigned on May 27, 2024, after unsuccessfully contesting the 2023 election as a Bhumjaithai candidate.
Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost
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11 August 2026
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