Thai PM Orders Strict Handling of Ex-Lawmaker's Shooting Case
Thailand's Prime Minister has ordered authorities to take decisive action against a former lawmaker accused of shooting a provincial administrative chief and his driver. The incident has raised concerns about police leniency towards the suspect.
Key takeaways
- A former Thai lawmaker, Chalong Riewraeng, has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a provincial administrative chief and injuring his driver.
- Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul criticized police for showing leniency to the suspect, demanding strict handling of the case.
- The Prime Minister emphasized that illegally carrying a firearm is a violation of the law, noting expired gun carry permits.
- The suspect had previously been a candidate for the Bhumjaithai Party and resigned shortly before the incident.
What Happened
A former Member of Parliament, Chalong Riewraeng, has been arrested for allegedly shooting Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert, the president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), and his driver. The incident occurred on Monday at approximately 11 a.m. behind the PAO building. Pol Col Thongchai, 71, sustained four gunshot wounds and was taken to Phra Nang Klao Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His driver was shot in the right arm and also hospitalized. Mr. Chalong was apprehended shortly after the event.
Why It Matters
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has criticized the handling of the suspect, expressing displeasure at images showing Mr. Chalong appearing relaxed and smoking a cigarette during police questioning and media interviews without handcuffs. The Prime Minister stated that this leniency is unacceptable for such a serious crime, which has impacted public confidence. He has instructed the National Police Chief to ensure the case is handled properly and to reprimand officers involved in the suspect's perceived preferential treatment. Mr. Anutin emphasized that carrying a firearm illegally is a violation of the law, as gun carry permits expired in 2023.
Background
Chalong Riewraeng was a former candidate for the Bhumjaithai Party in the 2023 general election, though he did not win a seat. Traisulee Taisaranakul, Secretary to the Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party registrar, confirmed that Mr. Chalong resigned from the party on May 27, 2024. The Prime Minister stated that his party membership is irrelevant to the government's actions and that his status might automatically lapse due to alleged criminal conduct. This incident follows a separate shooting incident on Friday where a 14-year-old boy killed multiple people in Nonthaburi before taking his own life. Thailand has a high rate of gun ownership, with approximately 10 million firearms in circulation, and previous promises of stricter gun laws have not prevented subsequent shootings.
Key Facts
- Former MP Chalong Riewraeng is accused of shooting PAO president Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert and his driver.
- Pol Col Thongchai, 71, was shot multiple times and later died in hospital.
- The shooting occurred on Monday around 11 a.m. behind the Nonthaburi PAO building.
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered decisive action and criticized police leniency towards the suspect.
- The suspect was reportedly seen smoking and without handcuffs during police questioning.
- Mr. Chalong resigned from the Bhumjaithai Party on May 27, 2024.
- Thailand has a high rate of gun ownership, with an estimated 10 million firearms.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
