UPDATE: Anutin orders action over police handling of Nonthaburi PAO shooting suspect

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the Nonthaburi governor and provincial police chief to take decisive action in the case of former MP Chalong Riewraeng, who is accused of shooting dead Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) president Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert.

Anutin said no special treatment or assistance should be given to Chalong, regardless of his status. He criticised local police after images showed the suspect appearing relaxed and smoking during questioning and media interviews without handcuffs. Anutin said the case was a serious crime that had shaken public confidence.

He also instructed National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch to ensure that the case was handled properly and to reprimand officers involved. Anutin said the firearm carry-permit system had expired in 2023, meaning that carrying a gun was unlawful even if the holder had an ownership licence.

The shooting occurred at about 11am on Monday, 10 August 2026, behind the PAO building near the city planning office. Police found a black Volvo van with its engine running in the car park. They said Chalong approached the vehicle after Pol Col Thongchai had finished a meeting and was preparing to leave. The two men had reportedly known each other for years and were friends.

Chalong allegedly knocked on the driver's-side window and, after it was lowered, fired at Pol Col Thongchai. The PAO president, 71, sustained four gunshot wounds to his chin, face, forehead and neck. He was taken to Phra Nang Klao Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him, but he was later pronounced dead. His driver, identified as Yot, was shot in the right arm and also taken to hospital.

Police said Yot fled towards Nonthaburi provincial hall, with Chalong allegedly pursuing him and firing another shot that struck his arm. Chalong remained at the scene and was taken to Rattanathibet police station for questioning.

After the shooting, Chalong reportedly called online broadcaster Anchalee Paireerak while she was hosting a live programme and told her he had shot Pol Col Thongchai. She persuaded him to put down his firearm and wait for police, while staff at her news outlet contacted officers.

Investigators had not conclusively established the motive. A preliminary report indicated an alleged dispute over a B11 million personal debt owed by Pol Col Thongchai to Chalong, who reportedly went to the PAO office seeking repayment after several unsuccessful attempts.

Provincial Police Region 1 Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Wattana Yeechin said Chalong had confessed to the shooting, although investigators were still assessing his account. Police were also examining Chalong's claim that he fired after the PAO chief's driver drew a gun, stressing that the allegation could have been made in his own interest. Officers said neither of the two firearms found in the PAO chief's vehicle appeared to have been fired.

Anutin said Chalong's political affiliation was irrelevant to government action. Traisulee Taisaranakul, secretary to the Prime Minister and registrar of the Bhumjaithai Party, said Chalong had resigned from the party on 27 May 2024. He had contested the 2023 general election as a Bhumjaithai candidate but did not win a seat.