A former Thai lawmaker has been arrested after allegedly shooting a local government official dead in the southern province of Nonthaburi, then calling into a YouTube livestream to confess to a political commentator. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has intensified the national debate over gun control in a country with one of Southeast Asia's highest rates of civilian gun ownership.
Shooting and Immediate Aftermath
Chalong Reawraeng, a former Member of Parliament for Nonthaburi, reportedly shot Thongchai Yenprasert, a retired police colonel who served as president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation, outside Thongchai's office. Thongchai was struck in the neck and later died in hospital. His driver was also wounded, sustaining gunshot injuries to the arm and hand.
According to local media reports, the two men had been involved in a personal dispute. Chalong was arrested shortly after the shooting and later allowed to speak to reporters at a police station, where he attempted to explain the circumstances.
Livestream Confession
During a live broadcast by political commentator Anchalee Paireerak, she was seen answering a phone call mid-programme. Although viewers could not hear the caller, her reaction suggested alarming information. "Did he die? Did he die? You shot him in the head? You need to wait there for the cops," she said, according to footage seen by the BBC. "Don't go anywhere."
Chalong reportedly told Anchalee that he had shot Thongchai, marking a bizarre public confession that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Chalong's Account
In his statement to reporters, Chalong claimed Thongchai was angry with him but did not provide a specific reason for the disagreement. He described Thongchai as a "good friend" and insisted he did not intend to kill him. "He [Thongchai] then pushed me, saying 'I don't want to talk, I don't want to talk,'" Chalong said, recounting the confrontation.
Chalong said he followed Thongchai towards his vehicle before the situation escalated. "When I pulled the gun out, I didn't intend to shoot him. But then [Thongchai's driver] pulled his gun out and pointed it at me, so I fired," he explained.
Context of Gun Violence in Thailand
The shooting occurred just three days after a 14-year-old boy killed eight people at his home and school before taking his own life in Thailand's worst mass shooting since 2022. The two incidents are not believed to be connected, but they have reignited public concern over firearm accessibility.
Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 15.3 firearms per 100 people, according to the Small Arms Survey. The country has a long history of gun-related violence, including a 2020 shooting spree at a mall in Nakhon Ratchasima that left 29 dead.
Government Response
Following Friday's mass shooting, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered tougher enforcement of existing gun laws, including police checkpoints and increased controls on the possession, carrying and use of firearms. The latest incident is expected to put further pressure on authorities to implement stricter regulations.
Critics argue that existing laws are poorly enforced, and legal loopholes allow for easy access to unregistered firearms. The government has yet to announce new legislative measures, but public calls for reform are growing louder.
