Ex-Lawmaker Held in Nonthaburi Shooting That Killed Local Official

Police in Thailand have arrested a former local lawmaker in connection with a shooting at a government office in Nonthaburi province that left one man dead and another injured. The incident occurred on Monday morning at the offices of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization.

The suspect, identified as Chalong Riewraeng, was taken into custody shortly after the attack. The victim, Thongchai Yenprasert, the chief executive of the organization, was shot in the face and neck and died from his wounds at a hospital. His driver was also shot in the arm and is reported to be in stable condition.

Regional police commander Wattana Yeejeen stated that the suspect admitted to the shooting, with a personal motive believed to be behind the attack. Chalong told reporters that he had been arguing with Thongchai over money he had lent him. He claimed he followed Thongchai to his car and that the driver drew a gun first, prompting him to open fire.

"I wanted to apologize to the people of Nonthaburi," Chalong said. "I had no intention. We were friends and I thought we could talk it out, but he wouldn't talk to me."

The shooting has drawn particular attention as it occurred just days after a separate, deadly incident in the same province. On Friday, a 14-year-old student allegedly killed at least eight people in a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School and his family home before apparently taking his own life. The victims included a 12-year-old schoolgirl, five school staff members, and the boy's two grandparents.

Deputy regional police commander Atthapol Anusit said Sunday that police had not yet determined a motive for the school attack. He noted the boy appeared to have faced problems involving his family and school. An investigation of his electronic devices revealed he had consumed violent content on social media and had a search history indicating an interest in firearms dating back one to two years. Witnesses also told police that the boy had brought a BB gun to school last year, which was confiscated by a teacher.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia. A 2017 study by Small Arms Survey and GunPolicy.org found civilian gun ownership in Thailand was about 15.1 guns per 100 people. While indiscriminate shootings are not common, the country has seen an uptick in high-profile shooting deaths in recent years, including a February attack at a high school in southern Thailand and a 2023 shooting at a major Bangkok shopping mall.