Former Lawmaker Charged With Premeditated Murder in Nonthaburi Official Shooting
Former Nonthaburi legislator Challong Riowraeng has been charged with premeditated murder for shooting provincial administrator Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenpraserit at a government office, allegedly over an 11 million baht debt dispute and elect
Authorities have filed an additional premeditated murder charge against Challong Riowraeng, a former Nonthaburi legislator, after he shot Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenpraserit, the governor of Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization at the provincial government office. The attack was motivated by a debt dispute of 11 million baht and disputes related to recent election candidate nominations. The governor's driver was also severely injured.
On August 10, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., Pol. Col. Phudet Jamruensasana, superintendent of Rattanathibeth Police Station, visited Phramongkutklao Hospital to check on the governor's condition. After spending approximately 30 minutes upstairs, he came down to address reporters, stating that the hospital was providing full medical assistance and declining to confirm the governor's status, asking instead that the hospital make an official statement.
When asked about the charges filed, Pol. Col. Phudet stated that the initial charge was "intentional murder with premeditation." He explained that the premeditation charge reflects investigators' assessment of the suspect's deliberate actions in bringing the weapon to carry out the attack. Investigators confirmed the firearm was legally registered and belonged to the suspect.
When asked about the incident in relation to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's recent directives on stricter enforcement of firearm transportation laws in Nonthaburi, authorities confirmed that commanders have already ordered enhanced prevention measures and stricter weapons inspections, with police working at full capacity. They expressed confidence that such incidents would not recur.
