A former Thai parliamentarian shot and killed a local government official on Monday afternoon over a debt matter. The incident occurred outside a government building in Nonthaburi Province, north of Bangkok.
The perpetrator, former parliamentarian Chalong Riewran, followed victim Thongchai Yenprasert to his vehicle and attempted to discuss a money matter, according to his account to police. After Thongchai refused to speak, Chalong said he drew his weapon. He added that Thongchai's driver then drew a weapon and pointed it at him, so he fired.
Thongchai, who served as chief of Nonthaburi's local government, died from a gunshot wound to the neck. His driver was also shot in the right arm but survived after undergoing surgery.
Local Police Regional Commander Wattana Yeechin said a firearm was found inside Thongchai's vehicle but was not used. CCTV footage showed only Chalong firing his weapon, he added.
The dispute concerned several million baht that Chalong had lent to Thongchai over several years, said Wattana. He said Chalong had asked for the money to be returned several times.
