[International] Thai Local Official Shot Dead, Former MP Arrested, Claims He Fired After Debt Collection Failed

A shooting occurred outside a local government building in Thailand today (10th). Thai media reported that Thongchai, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), was shot by a well-known local politician and former MP, Chalerm, outside the administrative building. He was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. Chalerm confessed that he opened fire because Thongchai refused to repay a debt of approximately 11 million Thai baht (about NT$10.74 million). Gunshots were heard today at the Nonthaburi provincial government building, a suburb of Bangkok. According to local media reports such as the Bangkok Post, the shooter was Chalerm Reawraeng, a former Member of Parliament for Nonthaburi, who has been arrested by the police. Nonthaburi recently experienced a school shooting, and this shooting of a local official has garnered significant attention. According to comprehensive reports from Thai media, the shooting occurred outside the administrative building of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization. Former MP Chalerm shot Thongchai Yenprasert, the chairman of the administrative organization, at 11 AM (12 PM Taiwan time). Thongchai was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. The BBC reported that Thongchai joined the Thai police force in 1984 and served as deputy director and director in various police stations in Nonthaburi. He became chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization in 2004 and has been active in local administration and public affairs for many years. It is understood that Chalerm fired through the window of a black car at someone inside. Videos reported by other media show him pocketing the handgun and walking away from the scene. Police stated that Chalerm had called a live television anchor, Anchalee Paireerak, and told her that he had just fired about five shots at Thongchai. Anchalee urged him to drop his weapon, remain calm, and wait for the police at the scene, while the TV station staff simultaneously contacted the police. Chalerm also told her that Thongchai refused to repay the 11 million Thai baht (approximately NT$10.74 million) he owed, which led him to decide to shoot him. The Nation reported that Chalerm said Thongchai's statement of having no money to repay the debt angered him, ultimately leading him to decide to open fire. Police have cordoned off the scene and are investigating the incident. Chalerm is a well-known political figure in Nonthaburi. He previously served as an MP for the Thai Citizen Party and later joined the Pheu Thai Party. In 2023, he ran as a candidate for the Bhumjaithai Party but was ultimately defeated. (Editor: Song Wanyuan)