A former Thai MP reportedly shot an ex-police colonel outside a government office
Former Thai MP Chalong Reawraeng is accused of shooting an ex-police colonel in Nonthaburi, just days following a fatal shooting in the vicinity.
A former member of Thailand’s House of Representatives has reportedly shot a former police colonel outside a government office in Nonthaburi province, resulting in two individuals being injured.
The suspect, Chalong Reawraeng, is accused of firing shots at Thongchai Yenprasert, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is currently in critical condition, as reported by the provincial governor, Chettha Mosikarat.
Thongchai was hit in the neck, while his driver sustained gunshot wounds to the arm and hand. Both men were transported to the hospital for surgical procedures.
“He still pulsates and has been taken in for surgery because the bullet struck his neck and severed major veins,” Chettha stated. The doctors opted to carry out a procedure to repair the injured veins.
The governor stated that Chalong and Thongchai had been acquainted for a considerable time, but he expressed that he was not aware of any conflict between them.
Chalong later addressed reporters from the police station where he was detained and admitted to carrying out the shooting.
“I wish to express my apologies to the people of Nonthaburi who held affection for the PAO chief, his family, or anyone else,” Chalong stated.
“I had no intention of doing anything, as he is closeod friend of mine, but he was unwilling to engage in conversation.”
My family will experience profound grief. “My daughter will undoubtedly be devastated,” he added. “They wouldn’t believe I was capable of this.”
Chalong stated that the incident arose from a disagreement regarding money and asserted that Thongchai was upset with him.
“I instructed him to take responsibility for his actions.” If you currently lack the funds, you can make payments in installments to my children… I informed him that I was in trouble,” he elaborated.
“He then shoved me, insisting, ‘I would rather not talk, I don’t want to talk.’”
Chalong stated that he trailed Thongchai to his vehicle prior to the shooting.
“When I drew the gun, my intention was not to shoot him.” “But then [Thongchai’s driver] drew his gun and aimed it at me, prompting me to fire.”
The shooting occurs just days after a teenager reportedly shot his grandparents and opened fire at a school in the same province, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals.
The recent incident is anticipated to reignite discussions surrounding gun control in Thailand, a country that boasts one of the highest levels of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia.
In response to the school shooting that occurred on Friday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has mandated stricter measures for individuals carrying firearms in public spaces.
Police were instructed to set up checkpoints as part of a crackdown, along with stricter regulations on the possession, carrying, and use of firearms.
“No one is entitled to carry a firearm, especially in a public place,” Anutin stated, dismissing self-defense as a valid reason for possessing a weapon.
An estimated 10.3 million firearms were in civilian possession in Thailand in 2017, according to the Small Arms Survey. That totals approximately 15 firearms for every 100 residents.
