Former Nonthaburi Candidate Arrested for Shooting Provincial Official
Former Nonthaburi provincial candidate arrested for shooting PAO chief Thongchai Yenprasert at his office on August 10, reportedly over an 11-million-baht debt dispute and election nomination grievance.
Police arrested former Nonthaburi provincial candidate Chaloeng Riowraeng after he allegedly opened fire on Thongchai Yenprasert, the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) chief, at the PAO office on August 10, 2569. The suspect is being questioned at Rattanathebes Police Station regarding the shooting and preliminary reports indicate the motive relates to a personal debt dispute of 11 million baht and the candidate's nomination for the recent election. The chief's driver also sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Police are conducting an investigation to establish the full timeline of events and determine the precise circumstances that led to the shooting. The 9mm handgun used in the attack is being forensically examined, and officers are gathering evidence and witness statements. According to Nonthaburi Governor Chetsada Mhosikarun, the suspect admitted to the crime and claimed he had arranged to discuss matters with the victim at the PAO office, but the conversation did not go as planned, leading to the shooting.
The governor stated that he knew both the suspect and victim, who were formerly friends with a good relationship, and had never been informed of any complaints or disputes between them. The PAO chief's driver, who was wounded in the attack, has been transported to Phra Nang Klao Hospital and remains a key witness. Police are continuing their interrogation and will pursue legal action against the suspect according to standard procedure.