PM Orders Crackdown on Shooting Suspect Without Handcuffs

At 3:55 p.m. on August 10, 2025, after presiding over the opening of the "Thai Artisan Lamplight OTOP" event at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with officials including Nonthaburi Governor Chetsada Mosikaratana and Provincial Police Commander Dechrapi Kongdee to receive an update on the case of Chalerm Riowraeng, a former Nonthaburi MP accused of fatally shooting PAO Chairman Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenpraseurt.

Anutin stressed that he has instructed Nonthaburi officials to proceed with swift and decisive action, granting no assistance or accommodation of any kind regardless of the suspect's status, as his criminal identity is now clear. He stated that the government must enact or amend laws regarding firearm possession to eliminate all exceptions, noting that carrying firearms without valid permits is illegal under current Thai law, which no longer issues carry permits. All previous permits expired between late 2566 and early 2567 (2023-2024).

When asked about the suspect appearing casually at a news conference just hours after the shooting without being handcuffed, Anutin expressed alarm, saying such an image was unacceptable and that he had already informed Police Chief Kittirat Panpetch, who acknowledged the mistake and promised to pursue the case promptly. Anutin reaffirmed the need for urgent action and stricter enforcement of gun laws nationwide. When asked whether Bhumjaithai Party has confirmed the suspect's membership status, Anutin said the party's membership procedures are a separate democratic matter and do not concern the criminal investigation, though membership may be automatically revoked if legal procedures warrant it.