Anutin criticises police handling of Nonthaburi shooting suspect

Anutin has criticised police for allowing a suspect accused of killing a Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation chief to appear relaxed and smoke during questioning.

He said no special treatment or assistance should be given to the suspect, identified as Mr Chalong, regardless of his status. Anutin also said he had instructed National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch to ensure the case was handled properly and to reprimand officers involved.

The shooting occurred at about 11am on Monday, Aug 10, behind the PAO building near the city planning office. Police said Mr Chalong approached a black Volvo van after the PAO chief, Pol Col Thongchai, had finished a meeting and was preparing to leave.

Pol Col Thongchai was struck by four bullets to his chin, face, forehead and neck. He was taken to Phra Nang Klao Hospital but was later pronounced dead. His driver, identified as Yot, was shot in the right arm.

Police said Mr Chalong remained at the scene and was taken to Rattanathibet police station for questioning. He later reportedly told online broadcaster Anchalee Paireerak that 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 Mr 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 the suspect had confessed, although investigators were still assessing his account. Police were also examining Mr Chalong’s claim that he fired after the PAO chief’s driver drew a gun. Officers said neither of the two firearms found in the vehicle appeared to have been fired.

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