A gunman has been arrested after fatally shooting Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Provincial Administrative Organisation in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok. Authorities said the shooting occurred inside a local government office and followed a disagreement over borrowed money.
The suspect, former politician Chalong Riewrang, allegedly shot Mr. Thongchai, a former colonel and prominent figure in Nonthaburi politics who joined the Thai police force in 1984. The provincial official's driver was also wounded but is not in critical condition.
Mr. Thongchai died from his wounds at Nonthaburi's Phra Nang Klao Hospital, according to its director, Dr. Sakol Sookprome. Police Lieutenant General Wattana Yijin stated, "The motive was personal."
This incident comes days after a teenager's shooting spree at Debsirin Nonthaburi School left nine people dead, including the shooter, and more than 20 wounded in Thailand's deadliest mass shooting in nearly four years. Following that tragedy, Thailand's Education Ministry announced plans to develop new school safety protocols over the next three months, including mental health screenings, emergency drills, anti-bullying measures, and improved detection of weapons.
Thailand has an estimated 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession, approximately 15 guns per 100 residents, the highest rate in Southeast Asia by a wide margin, according to a 2017 Small Arms Survey estimate.
Notable Quotes
- "But when he was driving away, he pulled a gun," describing the moment of the shooting.
- "We never imagined that a school, which should be the safest place, is where something like this would happen," reflecting on the recent school shooting.
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