Suspect in Nonthaburi Official's Death Struggles With Sleep in Jail
A 71-year-old man charged in the shooting death of a Nonthaburi provincial official is struggling with insomnia in prison custody after bail was denied, with authorities monitoring his health due to his age and pre-existing conditions.
Chaloeng Riewyaeng, 71, charged in the shooting death of Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administration Organization, was taken into custody on August 13, 2569, after Rattanathibej Police investigators apprehended him. The court denied bail, and he was transferred to Nonthaburi Provincial Prison.
A Justice Ministry report disclosed that Chaloeng has now spent two days in the prison's COVID-19 isolation ward. He experiences interrupted sleep throughout the night due to chronic insomnia; he normally takes sleeping medication while outside custody. A doctor will conduct another assessment on Monday, August 17.
Chaloeng has a pre-existing condition of high blood pressure and takes regular medication. A health check at midday on August 13 showed his blood pressure was slightly elevated, though he reported no dizziness, headache, or blurred vision.
Regarding his meals, Chaloeng ate curried pumpkin with chicken and morning glory with oyster sauce on the evening of August 12, and chicken and ginseng soup with rice the following morning—but consumed only small amounts in both cases. He has made no additional requests.
The Justice Ministry noted that because Chaloeng is elderly with existing health conditions, after the COVID-19 quarantine ends, a medical evaluation will determine whether he requires hospitalization, clinic care, or standard detention. The prison has standard monitoring and medical access protocols in place. No concerning irregularities have been reported.
