Nonthaburi Governor Plans Major Merit-Making After Shooting Death
Former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Riangrang fatally shot PAO Chairman Thongchai Yenprasert over a financial dispute; the governor defended allowing the suspect to smoke and briefly remove handcuffs during questioning, citing severe stress.
Following a major incident within a single week, the Nonthaburi governor has explained that suspect Chalong Riangrang, a former Nonthaburi MP, was allowed to smoke and had his handcuffs temporarily removed during questioning—citing his severe stress and basic rights.
Chalong opened fire on Thongchai Yenprasert, the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) chairman, killing him outside PAO headquarters. The incident stemmed from personal disputes and a 11-million-baht financial disagreement.
On August 10, 2026, at Rattanakosin Police Station, Governor Chetsada Mosigarrt disclosed the social media images and explained that investigators had allowed the suspect to smoke and briefly removed his handcuffs during questioning. According to the governor's account from investigators' reports, the suspect was under severe stress and anxiety at the time, and requested permission to smoke—which constitutes a basic right that anyone may exercise. Regarding the handcuffs, the governor confirmed that they are worn nearly constantly, but any visible removal in circulated photos may have occurred temporarily because the suspect was in a highly stressed state.
On the investigation front, because the PAO chairman's death is involved, investigators require extended questioning time. They have also requested court authorization for a house search warrant to locate firearms and ammunition, as well as additional evidence. The firearm licensing may face revocation. Tomorrow, investigators will escort the suspect to request detention orders from Nonthaburi Provincial Court and oppose bail, given the severity of the felony charge.
Meanwhile, the Nonthaburi governor announced plans to hold a major merit-making ceremony for the province, as multiple serious incidents have occurred within a single week.
