Anutin slams police treatment of suspect in PAO chief killing

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

Mr Anutin said on Monday that no special treatment or assistance should be given to the suspect, regardless of his status. He appeared displeased to have seen images of the suspect appearing relaxed and smoking a cigarette during questioning. Mr Chalong was arrested shortly after the incident that occurred at a PAO office.

"The case is a serious crime that has shaken public confidence," said Mr Anutin, who criticised local police for allowing the suspect to appear relaxed in interviews without handcuffs, calling the situation unacceptable.

"The crime has already been committed. He carried a firearm illegally. Even if he had an ownership licence, the carry permit system expired in 2023. Anyone carrying a gun now is breaking the law," he said.

Mr Anutin confirmed he had instructed National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch to ensure proper handling of the case and to reprimand officers involved.

These images of former MP Chalong Riewraeng, the suspect in the alleged shooting of PAO president Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert, appeared online on Monday showing him relaxed and smoking during police questioning and media interviews. The images promted Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to question why police allowed the suspect to appear without handcuffs. (Photos: Newsnon Facebook page)

On questions about Mr Chalong's Bhumjaithai Party membership, Mr Anutin said it was irrelevant to government action, noting that his status as a party member may lapse automatically under rules prohibiting criminal conduct. "Today, his status is clear. He is a suspect, a murderer, someone who broke the law," he said.

Traisulee Taisaranakul, Secretary to the Prime Minister and registrar of the Bhumjaithai Party, said Mr Chalong submitted his resignation from the party on May 27, 2024. He had previously contested the 2023 general election as a Bhumjaithai candidate but failed to win a seat.

The shooting occurred on Monday at about 11am behind the PAO building near the city planning office. Police found a black Volvo van with its engine running in the car park. Pol Col Thongchai, 71, was seriously wounded by four gunshots to his chin, face, forehead and neck and was rushed to Phra Nang Klao Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him. He was later pronounced dead. His driver, identified as Yot, was shot in the right arm and also taken to hospital.

Police said Mr Chalong approached the vehicle after Pol Col Thongchai had finished a meeting and was preparing to leave. The two men had known each other for years and were reportedly friends. Mr Chalong knocked on the window on the driver's side and, after the window was lowered, allegedly fired at the PAO chief.

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

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

Police were investigating the circumstances and had yet to conclusively establish the motive, but a preliminary report indicated that the dispute involved an alleged 11-million-baht personal debt owed by Pol Col Thongchai to Mr Chalong. The former MP reportedly went to the PAO office to seek repayment after several previous attempts had allegedly been unsuccessful.

Commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1 Pol Lt Gen Wattana Yeechin later said the suspect had confessed to the shooting, although investigators were still assessing his account.

Mr Chalong's claim that he fired after the PAO chief's driver drew a gun was being investigated, with police stressing that the allegation could have been made in the suspect's own interest. Officers said neither of the two firearms found in the PAO chief's vehicle appeared to have been fired.