Former Thai lawmaker detained on suspicion of fatal shooting
In Thailand’s Nonthaburi Province, former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Riawren was arrested on suspicion of fatally wounding local official Tongchai Yenprasert. Before his arrest, Riavreng called in to a YouTube livestream hosted by political commentator Anchala Pairirak and told her that he had shot the official, according to BBC News.
The incident occurred near Yenprasert’s office. The former police colonel was shot in the neck and died in the hospital. The official’s driver sustained injuries to his arm and hand.
Yenprasert headed the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, a local government body. During the broadcast, viewers could not hear the words of Pairirak’s conversation partner, but the video shows her reacting emotionally to the call and urging him to stay put until the police arrive.
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After his arrest, Riavreng was allowed to hold a press conference at the police station. He told reporters that he had no intention of shooting Yenprasert, whom he called a good friend. According to his account, the official refused to talk and shoved him, and the driver allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at him, after which he opened fire.
Local media reported that the men had a personal conflict. The shooting occurred three days after a 14-year-old teenager shot and killed seven people at his home and school before taking his own life. BBC News notes that these incidents are unrelated. Following the school attack, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered stricter enforcement of gun control laws.
