A shooting incident at the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization offices on Monday resulted in the death of the organization's chief executive and the injury of his driver. The suspect, identified as Chalong Riewraeng, a former lawmaker, was arrested at the scene.
Thongchai Yenprasert, chief executive of the organization, died from critical wounds sustained in the shooting, according to officials. His driver was shot in the arm and is reported to be in stable condition.
Regional police commander Wattana Yeejeen stated that the suspect has admitted to the shooting and that investigators believe the motive to be personal. Chalong told reporters that he was in a dispute with Yenprasert over a loan and that the confrontation escalated when Yenprasert's driver drew a weapon.
This incident occurred just days after a separate mass shooting in the same province, where a 14-year-old student allegedly killed at least eight people at his school and family home before taking his own life. That student's motive remained under investigation, though authorities noted he had faced family and school issues, consumed violent online content, and had a search history indicating interest in firearms.
Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Asia. While indiscriminate shootings are uncommon, the country has experienced an increase in high-profile shooting deaths in recent years, including an incident in February where a teenager killed one person and wounded two others in a school shooting in southern Thailand.