Police Panel Rules Shooting Not Political, Premier Rebukes Police Chief
A police panel ruled that a shooting involving a former MP was a personal dispute, not politically motivated, as the Prime Minister reprimanded the police chief for mishandling the suspect's arrest.
On August 11, Air Chief Marshal Abhichai Kaewkosal, a Phetchaburi MP and vice chair of the parliamentary police committee, discussed recent shooting incidents, saying the committee has received orders from Prime Minister Anuthim Charnweerakul and Interior Minister to enforce stricter measures. The committee is working with the Department of Local Administration to draft new laws and regulations for gun owners. Regarding Cholaklong Riaowraeng, a former Nonthaburi MP, who shot a Nonthaburi provincial administrative organization chairman, Abhichai acknowledged criticism of police for failing to handcuff the suspect and allowing him to smoke during arrest. He confirmed that the Prime Minister directly called the police chief to reprimand him over the incident shown in media footage. Abhichai said the lapse represented a need for improvement by both police and local authorities. When asked whether the incident could be tied to politics, Abhichai stated that based on Cholaklong's public statements, the shooting appeared to be a personal matter unrelated to political issues. He noted that Cholaklong and the provincial chairman had been close like siblings. "I dare say this is not about politics," Abhichai said. "In today's era, competition happens within proper frameworks—we no longer resort to violence."
