Overview
- Police arrested former lawmaker Chalong Riewrang on Monday after he allegedly shot Thongchai Yenprasert, president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation, and the official’s driver; both victims were taken to hospital and one was described as seriously injured.
- Officials said Chalong was taken into custody and is being questioned about his motive while police continue a criminal investigation.
- Multiple reports say Chalong called into a livestreamed YouTube program and told the presenter he had carried out the attack, a detail authorities are verifying as part of their probe.
- The alleged shooting occurred days after a 14-year-old carried out a deadly rampage at Debsirin Nonthaburi School last Friday, which left multiple people dead and prompted immediate security steps in schools.
- The incidents have renewed pressure on the government to tighten firearms rules after repeated pledges, with prime ministerial officials promising stronger controls and schools adding metal detectors and mental‑health support.