FORMER THAI LAWMAKER ARRESTED AFTER SHOOTING AT GOVERNMENT OFFICE

A former lawmaker from Nonthaburi province was arrested on Monday after allegedly opening fire at a local government office on the outskirts of Bangkok. Police identified the suspected gunman as Chalong Riewraeng, a former Member of Parliament. The shooting occurred at approximately 11 a.m. at an office in Mueang district, the provincial capital. Two people were struck by gunfire and transported to hospital for treatment.

One report identified the victim as Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation, who was later pronounced dead. His driver was also wounded in the incident. Police said Riewraeng called a television anchor during a live broadcast and admitted to firing five shots at the official. The shooting took place in a province still responding to a mass shooting at a school days earlier.

The incident occurred four days after a 14-year-old student opened fire at Debsirin Secondary School in Nonthaburi. One account reported that rampage left nine people dead, including the shooter, with over 20 wounded. Another account stated eight people were killed with more than 30 wounded. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to tighten gun controls in response to the school shooting. Security measures including metal detectors were installed at schools as students returned to classrooms on Monday.