A former Thai lawmaker has been arrested after allegedly shooting dead a local government official in broad daylight following a dispute over money.
The incident occurred on Monday outside a government building in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok, just days after a school shooting in the same region renewed concerns over gun control in Thailand.
The suspect, former Member of Parliament Chalong Riewrang, was arrested shortly after the shooting and later admitted to journalists at a police station that he had confronted the official, Thongchai Yenprasert, over a financial matter.
Speaking to reporters while flanked by police officers, Chalong said he followed Thongchai to his car after attempting to speak with him.
“I followed him to his car and hit his car’s window, saying I want to talk. He said he will not talk, so I pulled my gun,” he said.
Chalong claimed he did not initially intend to shoot, but opened fire after Thongchai’s driver allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at him.
“I did not aim to shoot, but his driver pulled a gun and pointed it at me so I fired,” he added.
Thongchai, who served as chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, was taken to hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the neck.
Hospital director Sakon Sukprom said the official lost a significant amount of blood and later died from his injuries.
Thongchai’s driver was also shot in the right arm but survived after undergoing surgery, according to the hospital director.
The shooting comes amid renewed scrutiny of firearm regulations in Thailand following a school shooting in the same region.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said members of the public were not legally permitted to carry firearms in public, except authorised officials on duty.
He noted that the last gun-carry licences were issued three years ago and were valid for only one year.
Anutin said authorities would pursue “full legal action” against Chalong, who was formerly a member of the prime minister’s political party.
The incident has further intensified concerns over gun violence and enforcement of firearm regulations in Thailand.
