Police confirmed that Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), died after being shot at his office in Muang Nonthaburi district this morning. A former MP named Chalong is now held in custody over the shooting incident. According to reports, Chalong opened fire on PAO Chairman Yenprasert inside the office and killed him during a dispute regarding an 11 million baht debt where he had previously supported Yenprasert financially but was refused repayment.
Shortly after the shooting, Chalong called news presenter Anjalee Pairirak while she was live on Mallika Show. He told her that he fired four to five rounds before walking out of the office and crossing the street outside. Following instructions from the presenter for him to stay calm and surrender his weapon, Chalong handed his firearm to police officers after being advised not to move anywhere else armed. Police have not yet issued an official statement confirming all details regarding the phone call content.
This incident occurred just days following a tragic school shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School on August 7, where one student killed nine people before dying himself. The governor of Nonthaburi noted that Chalong and Yenprasert were personal friends who had disagreements over the financial matter while investigations are ongoing regarding witnesses including a driver grazed by gunfire at the scene. What do you think about how these recent violent events impact local community safety?