Ex-Politician Says He Didn't Intend to Shoot Nonthaburi Official

Former Nonthaburi MP Chaloem Riowraeng provided a detailed account at Rattanathiambat Police Station in Nonthaburi on Thursday afternoon, explaining the shooting of Pol. Maj. Gen. Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization. The incident stemmed from a dispute over 11 million baht in loans and allegations related to a recent election candidacy. Thongchai's driver was also seriously injured.

At 13:15 on Thursday, Chaloem revealed he never expected to find himself in such a situation and had never been arrested in his life. He said he came to discuss with his friend about retrieving 11 million baht he had previously lent, as he is currently facing financial hardship due to medical expenses from an illness since 2554 (2011).

Chaloem stated that throughout his life he had been a helpful friend and had lent money to various people—some 6 million or 15 million baht—without demanding repayment because he was willing to help. When he learned his friend had come into money, he made the trip to ask for assistance.

Regarding the shooting, Chaloem explained that when he mentioned the MP position he had provided to Thongchai, his friend became angry and pushed him in the room before refusing to talk. Chaloem followed him to his car and knocked on the window to continue the conversation. When the window was not opened, he drew a gun but had no intention of firing. At that moment, the driver drew his weapon first, prompting Chaloem to shoot.

After the incident, Chaloem fled the scene thinking the injuries would not be serious, then returned on a motorcycle to surrender to police. He insisted he had no intention of killing anyone.

Chaloem apologized to the people of Nonthaburi and to the provincial administrator's family, reiterating that he and Thongchai were friends and he never anticipated such an outcome. He said he only wanted to talk, but his friend refused. He claimed he felt neither resentment nor anger at the moment—had they been allowed to discuss the matter, it would have been resolved. However, when the driver drew his gun, he made the decision to fire.

Chaloem also expressed sadness about his own family, believing his daughter would be devastated by the incident.