Ex-Thai lawmaker arrested in shooting of official, driver

NONTHABURI, Thailand — A former Thai lawmaker was arrested Monday after allegedly firing at a local government official and his driver, in an attack that has sent shockwaves through the country’s political circles. Police said Chalong Riewrang is now in custody at a police station in Nonthaburi, a province just north of Bangkok, as investigators work to establish a motive.

The shooting occurred during the day, though police did not specify the exact time. Nonthaburi police chief Dejrapee Kongdee told reporters that the head of the Nonthaburi local government administration was “seriously injured” and was receiving hospital treatment. The driver’s condition was not immediately disclosed, but police declined to confirm any deaths from the incident.

What We Know So Far

Kongdee said officers were interrogating Chalong to understand why he allegedly targeted the two victims. “We are investigating him in regard to his motive. The two who were shot are being treated at a hospital,” the police chief said. While he did not comment on whether there was a prior dispute, local media reports suggested a private conflict may have triggered the attack.

In a striking twist, Chalong reportedly called a political commentator who was livestreaming on YouTube and admitted to carrying out the shooting. The commentator, former journalist Anchalee Paireerak, appeared visibly shocked and urged Chalong to wait for police to arrive. The incident adds a layer of public confession that is likely to intensify scrutiny of the case.

A Country Grappling With Gun Violence

The arrest comes just days after another violent spree in the same province. On Friday, a 14-year-old boy shot dead the grandparents who raised him in Nonthaburi before killing at least six others at his school and then turning the gun on himself, according to authorities. That massacre has reignited national debate over gun control in Thailand, a country with one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the region.

An estimated 10 million firearms are in circulation among a population of roughly 70 million — about one gun for every seven people, with many owned illegally. Officials have pledged to introduce stricter gun laws in the wake of Friday’s shooting, but previous vows have repeatedly failed to halt a cycle of gun violence that has plagued both schools and public spaces.

Political Ties and Possible Fallout

Chalong’s political background adds another dimension. He is a former member of the party led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who currently heads the Bhumjaithai Party. Though Chalong’s current political role is unclear, his arrest is likely to draw attention to the country’s political factions and the ease with which those with influence can become entangled in violent disputes.

Analysts note that high-profile shootings involving political figures can erode public confidence in the rule of law. The case also places the spotlight on Nonthaburi, a province that has now witnessed two major gun incidents in under a week, putting pressure on local authorities to address both security and enforcement gaps.

Next Steps

Police are expected to file formal charges against Chalong in the coming days, though no official charges have been announced. The condition of the two victims will likely influence the severity of any indictment. Meanwhile, the government’s promise of stricter gun laws will be tested in parliament, where previous measures have stalled or been watered down.

For now, the investigation into the alleged shooting is ongoing. The public confession during the livestream is likely to become a key piece of evidence, and the case may serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of gun violence in Thailand. Whether it prompts real legislative change, however, remains an open question.