A former Member of Parliament is in custody following the fatal shooting of the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) president in Nonthaburi, with the suspect alleging an unpaid debt as the motive. The incident occurred at the PAO office complex, a site housing various provincial government agencies.
Details of the Incident
The victim, identified as Thongchai, a 71-year-old former police colonel and PAO president, was shot multiple times around 11 a.m. He was pronounced dead at Phranangklao Hospital approximately four and a half hours after the attack. Preliminary investigations suggest the former MP, identified as Mr. Chalong, had been waiting outside Thongchai’s office on the third floor of the PAO building.
According to police reports, Thongchai initially refused to meet with Mr. Chalong and attempted to leave the premises in his Volvo van, accompanied by his driver, known only as Yod. Mr. Chalong pursued Thongchai downstairs. As Thongchai sat in the passenger seat of his van, Mr. Chalong approached and signaled for the window to be lowered. Upon compliance, Mr. Chalong allegedly produced a Beretta pistol and fired four shots at Thongchai. He then reportedly fired at Mr. Yod as the driver fled, who sustained minor injuries.
Mr. Chalong remained at the scene and was arrested by authorities. Thongchai received emergency medical attention, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, before being transported to the hospital, where he ultimately passed away. Mr. Yod is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
Suspect’s Account and Police Investigation
During interrogation at the Rattanathibet police station, Mr. Chalong claimed that Thongchai had refused to repay an outstanding debt. While the exact amount was not immediately specified by police commander Pol Lt Gen Wattana Yeejeen, earlier reports indicated the sum could be as high as 11 million baht. Mr. Chalong expressed his distress at the situation, stating, “I never imagined I’d be in this position (speaking to police and reporters at a police station).” He further elaborated on the confrontation, saying, “I came to speak to a friend, but he refused to listen. I told Daeng (Thongchai’s nickname) to lower the window, but he would not. I then drew a gun and demanded to talk, but Yod also produced a pistol, so I opened fire.”
Pol Lt Gen Wattana stated that charges have not yet been formally pressed against Mr. Chalong. The police are conducting a thorough investigation, exploring all potential motives and gathering evidence to determine whether the killing was premeditated or a spontaneous act. The circumstances surrounding the alleged debt dispute and the sequence of events leading to the shooting are central to the ongoing inquiry.
Background of the Victim and Suspect
Thongchai, the deceased PAO president, was a former police officer who had reached the rank of police colonel before entering public administration. His position as PAO president placed him in a significant administrative role within the provincial government structure. The PAO office is situated within a government complex that includes the provincial hall and other key administrative bodies, underscoring the public nature of the location where the incident occurred.
Mr. Chalong, the suspect, is a former Member of Parliament, indicating a background in national politics. His transition from national to alleged local financial dealings, culminating in this violent event, presents a complex narrative that investigators are working to fully understand. The involvement of a firearm and the reported presence of a second weapon belonging to the driver add further layers to the investigation.
Conclusion
The shooting of the PAO president has sent shockwaves through the local administration and community. As police continue their investigation into the alleged debt dispute and the events of that morning, the focus remains on piecing together a clear and accurate account of the incident. The outcome of the police inquiry will be crucial in determining the legal ramifications for Mr. Chalong and shedding light on the factors that led to this tragic confrontation.
