Former MP Shoots Nonthaburi Governor Over 11 Million Baht Debt
A former Nonthaburi MP opened fire on the province's governor at his office following a dispute over an 11 million baht debt and disagreements over election candidate selection.
A detailed background on Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasertsai, the Nonthaburi governor, and Chaloeng Rueowrang, a former Nonthaburi MP, follows an incident in which Chaloeng opened fire on Thongchai at the governor's office. The shooting was reportedly triggered by a debt dispute of 11 million baht and disagreements over candidate selection in recent elections.
Thongchai was born February 20, 1954. He completed police officer academy (Special Branch Class 9), earned a law degree from Ramkhamhaeng University, and holds an honorary doctorate in education administration from Dhonburi Rajabhat University.
Work History: 1984–1988: Crime Investigation Division, 4 years 1988–1997: Suppression Division, 9 years 1997–1998: Vice Director, Sai Noi District Police Station 1998–2000: Vice Director, Muang Nonthaburi District Police Station 2000–2001: Director, Bang Bua Thong Police Station 2001–2004: Director, Pak Kret Police Station 2004–Present (2026): Governor of Nonthaburi, 5 consecutive terms
Chaloeng Rueowrang was born February 18, 1954. He holds a bachelor's degree in education from Suan Dusit Rajabhat Institute and a master's degree in social development from NIDA.
Work History: First elected as MP in 1996 from Thai Nation Party; later switched to Chart Thai Party in 2001 but lost. In 2005, he joined Thai Rak Thai Party and was re-elected. In 2007, he ran with People's Party but lost again. In 2011, he ran with For Thailand Party and was elected for his third term.
He has also held several political positions including Nonthaburi Municipality Council member, adviser to the Interior Minister, and adviser to the Labor Minister. Chaloeng earned the nickname "Loong Ngu Hao" (the defecting snake) in 1997 when he was one of 13 MPs who broke ranks from Thai Nation Party to support Chuan Leekpai for Prime Minister. He also gained the nickname "Loong CD" after police conducted a raid on his Nonthaburi residence but found no illegal items.
Both Thongchai and Chaloeng are longtime local politicians who have known each other for years before Chaloeng entered national elections.
