Gun Attack at Nonthaburi Provincial Office Leaves Government Official Dead, Former MP Arrested as Shooter
Nonthaburi –
A shocking shooting occurred late Monday morning inside the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) office, leaving the provincial chairman fatally wounded and his driver injured with a former MP identified as the shooter and arrested. The shooting was over an alleged financial dispute.
The Nonthaburi PR Office has released a report and said at approximately 11:00 a.m., gunfire erupted near the Urban Planning Division at the rear of the PAO building. Witnesses reported that Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, 71, Chairman of the Nonthaburi PAO, had just concluded a meeting and was preparing to leave when he was approached by former Nonthaburi MP Chalongsriang Rang. The two men, known to be longtime acquaintances, began conversing near Thongchai’s vehicle before Chalongsriang allegedly drew a firearm and shot the chairman. The driver, who attempted to flee, was also struck in the arm.
Both victims were rushed to Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Despite urgent medical treatment, doctors confirmed at 2:36 p.m. that Chairman Thongchai had succumbed to his injuries. His driver remains under medical care with non-life-threatening wounds.
Police quickly subdued and arrested Chalongsriang at the scene, taking him into custody at Rattanathibet Police Station for questioning. According to Nonthaburi Governor Chettha Mosikarat, the suspect has admitted to the shooting and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities believe the incident may have stemmed from a personal financial dispute, though the exact motive remains unclear pending further investigation.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated the former MP has not been with his Bhumjaithai party in several years, and stressed that no special treatment or privileges would be given to the suspect, while also initially criticizing police for allowing the suspect to have a press conference after the shooting without wearing handcuffs and while smoking a cigarette. Police stated that this was done only so the suspect could apologize to the family of the victim, not as special treatment.
