CCTV captured former MP Chalong Riewraeng approaching PAO chief Thongchai Yenprasert before the fatal shooting. Police later charged him with premeditated murder as an 11 million baht debt dispute and self-defence claim came under scrutiny.
A veteran Nonthaburi political powerbroker is facing a premeditated murder charge after a deadly daylight shooting captured almost entirely on CCTV. Former MP Chalong Riewraeng, 71, is accused of killing PAO President Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert outside his government office. Police recovered five 9mm casings and two firearms from the victim’s Volvo, while Chalong claims he fired in self-defence. Investigators are also probing an 11 million baht debt dispute, a post-shooting call to a television anchor and his attempted departure by motorcycle taxi. The killing has triggered a major forensic investigation, tighter security at provincial offices and preparations for a new PAO election.
Former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Riewraeng, 71, was arrested Monday after a deadly daylight shooting outside a major provincial government office. Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert, 71, President of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), was shot repeatedly outside his headquarters. His driver was also wounded during the attack.
Pol Col Thongchai suffered four gunshot wounds to his chin, face, forehead and neck. Emergency workers immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the scene. He was then rushed to Phranangklao Hospital. However, doctors were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead. His driver, identified as Yod, was shot in his right arm but survived.
Crucially, CCTV cameras captured almost the entire confrontation outside the PAO headquarters in Mueang Nonthaburi district. The footage recorded a sequence lasting approximately one minute. It began at about 10.14 am, when Pol Col Thongchai quickly followed his driver from the office building.
Chalong approached the Volvo with pistol concealed before pointing it through the passenger window
Both men headed towards Pol Col Thongchai’s black Volvo SUV. The driver climbed behind the wheel, while the PAO president entered the front passenger seat. Seconds later, Mr Chalong hurried behind them carrying a pistol in his right hand. Notably, he initially concealed the weapon behind his back.
Mr Chalong approached the passenger side as the Volvo began moving. He placed his left hand against the window while keeping the pistol hidden. Meanwhile, the vehicle moved slowly as the two men talked through the window. Mr Chalong continued walking alongside the passenger seat.
Moments later, he moved his right hand from behind his back. The pistol became visible and the Volvo stopped. Mr Chalong continued talking before pointing the weapon towards the passenger window. In response, Pol Col Thongchai lowered the window and reached towards the gun.
Mr Chalong immediately stepped backwards, moving beyond Pol Col Thongchai’s reach. Yet the conversation continued for several more seconds. Then, Mr Chalong opened fire at the PAO president. Pol Col Thongchai continued stretching his hand outside the window during the shooting.
Driver escaped as Chalong fired again before returning to look inside the Volvo at wounded Thongchai
The footage appeared to show him trying to stop Mr Chalong from firing. Moments afterwards, his hand disappeared back inside the vehicle. Mr Chalong then fired further shots. During the gunfire, the driver escaped from the Volvo.
Mr Chalong subsequently walked around the rear of the vehicle. He appeared to be searching for the driver. By then, however, the wounded man had escaped from the immediate area. Mr Chalong returned to the front passenger door and looked inside at Pol Col Thongchai.
After remaining there briefly, he walked away. The recorded confrontation lasted approximately one minute from his approach until the shooting ended. Pol Col Thongchai had been fatally wounded, while his driver survived.
Forensic evidence subsequently revealed further details from around the Volvo. Investigators recovered five 9mm cartridge cases from the area. Additionally, officers identified two bullet holes inside the vehicle.
As part of their examination, forensic specialists reconstructed the paths of bullets fired from outside the Volvo. Police also recovered two firearms from inside the vehicle. One was a Sig Sauer belonging to the driver. The second was a Smith & Wesson belonging to Pol Col Thongchai.
Police seized two guns as Chalong claimed self-defence and cited an 11 million baht debt dispute
Both weapons were seized for forensic examination. Significantly, the driver’s firearm became relevant to Mr Chalong’s account of the shooting. The former MP claimed he fired in self-defence after seeing the driver draw a gun first.
Police, however, filed a premeditated murder charge after questioning him for more than five hours. Investigators must now compare his account against CCTV footage, forensic evidence and witness statements. They will also examine both firearms recovered from inside the Volvo.
Separately, an extraordinary telephone call followed the shooting. According to police, Mr Chalong telephoned Naew Na television anchor Anchalee Paireerak shortly afterwards. Ms Anchalee was conducting a live broadcast when the former MP called.
Mr Chalong told her he had just fired about five shots at Pol Col Thongchai, according to police. In turn, Ms Anchalee urged him to drop his weapon and remain calm. She instructed him to wait for officers at the PAO headquarters. At the same time, Naew Na staff contacted Rattanathibet Police Station.
During that conversation, Mr Chalong also described a financial dispute with Pol Col Thongchai. He said the PAO president owed him 11 million baht. Furthermore, he claimed Pol Col Thongchai had refused to repay the money.
Chalong left the PAO compound by motorcycle taxi after telling an anchor he had fired five shots
That dispute has since become a major strand of the investigation. Police are seeking documentary evidence concerning the claimed debt. They are also examining whether it explains the confrontation outside the PAO office.
Despite being told to remain at the scene, Mr Chalong left the PAO compound. Instead, he hailed a motorcycle taxi nearby. He told the driver to take him to Wat Bang Phraek Tai.
The motorcycle taxi driver later described the journey after police questioned him for almost six hours. He said he had no idea his passenger had been involved in a shooting. Moreover, he did not recognise Mr Chalong as a former Nonthaburi MP.
The driver said his passenger displayed no unusual or suspicious behaviour after boarding the motorcycle. One detail nevertheless stood out. Mr Chalong remained constantly on his telephone during the journey.
The trip ended abruptly as they passed Rattanathibet Police Station. A police vehicle followed the motorcycle before pulling alongside it. Officers ordered the motorcycle taxi driver to stop. They then told him his passenger was a suspect.
Taxi driver was stopped by police, questioned for six hours and left unpaid for his 60 baht fare
The driver said he was shocked by the sudden intervention. He maintained that he had no involvement in the shooting. Even so, police brought him in for questioning.
After almost six hours, the driver emerged at approximately 5.40 pm and spoke with reporters. He also disclosed one small consequence of the arrest. The 60 baht motorcycle fare had never been paid.
Beyond that, the questioning prevented him from collecting passengers for the remainder of Monday. The driver said he consequently lost his day’s income.
Police, meanwhile, took Mr Chalong to Rattanathibet Police Station. Investigators questioned him for more than five hours with his private lawyer present. During questioning, the former MP denied the murder accusation and maintained his self-defence claim.
Nevertheless, officers subsequently filed four serious charges against him. The first was premeditated murder, while the second was attempted murder. Additionally, police charged him with carrying a firearm in public without justification. He was also charged with firing a gun in public without justification.
At approximately 4.50 pm, officers formally took Mr Chalong into custody following questioning. Police placed him in handcuffs before leading him away. He displayed a neutral expression and declined to give further interviews.
Former MP faces four serious charges after more than five hours of questioning at police station
The arrest marks a dramatic turn for a veteran politician with deep roots in Nonthaburi. Chalong Riewraeng’s political career has crossed several parties and more than a decade of electoral contests. He previously served as an elected Member of Parliament for Nonthaburi.
Parliamentary records show Mr Chalong serving as a Pheu Thai MP in the 24th House of Representatives. By 2011, he was already a prominent provincial political figure. That year, devastating floods struck Nonthaburi and surrounding provinces.
During the disaster, Mr Chalong publicly complained about difficulties obtaining government relief supplies for constituents. At the time, he identified himself as a Pheu Thai MP. However, he said he was not aligned with the red-shirt movement.
The following year, Mr Chalong was serving as MP for Nonthaburi Constituency 2. In July 2012, he presided over the opening of a community vocational training centre. The facility was located in Sai Yai, Sai Noi district.
Over time, his influence extended beyond his parliamentary seat. Mr Chalong became associated with the Riewraeng family political network in Nonthaburi. His wife, Charoen Riewraeng, also entered parliamentary politics. Later, their daughters contested elections.
Riewraeng family built a durable Nonthaburi political network across parliament and local elections
Consequently, the family became one of Nonthaburi’s established political groupings. Mr Chalong later became closely associated with the Palang Pracharath Party. Research published by King Prajadhipok’s Institute identified him as leader of the Palang Non group.
The research also described him as an important Palang Pracharath figure during the 2019 general election campaign. His political base remained centred on Nonthaburi. Another political shift followed before the 2023 general election.
Ahead of that contest, Mr Chalong, his wife and other family members joined Bhumjaithai. Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul personally welcomed the family in February 2023. However, the family’s four candidates were comprehensively defeated as Move Forward swept their constituencies.
Mr Chalong contested Nonthaburi Constituency 4 but received only hundreds of votes. Despite that defeat, his involvement in provincial politics continued.
By December 2025, Mr Chalong was again associated with Palang Pracharath. He sought the party’s nomination for another Nonthaburi parliamentary constituency. However, he lost the party’s primary vote.
Chalong switched parties again before 2023 defeat and later lost a Palang Pracharath primary vote
Afterwards, Mr Chalong publicly indicated that he intended to raise the result with senior party figures. Thus, his political record stretches across parliamentary service, party changes and leadership within a provincial political network.
His family also maintained an extensive presence in Nonthaburi electoral politics. Accordingly, Monday’s arrest places a longstanding provincial political figure at the centre of a major murder investigation.
On another front, detectives intensified their investigation during Monday evening. At approximately 6.40 pm, police brought Mr Chalong to his residence in Suan Yai subdistrict. The property is in Mueang Nonthaburi district.
More than 20 officers participated in the search for additional evidence. Among them was Pol Col Chokchai Kanacharoen, Deputy Commander of Nonthaburi Provincial Police. Pol Col Supachai Srisak, Superintendent of the provincial Investigation Division, also attended.
Investigators from Rattanathibet Police Station joined the operation. In parallel, officers from the Nonthaburi Provincial Police Special Operations Unit conducted the search.
Their attention focused particularly on documents linked to the claimed financial dispute. Specifically, police sought loan records concerning the alleged 11 million baht debt.
Police probe 11 million baht debt as CCTV and forensic evidence tighten focus on the fatal shooting
During this stage, police said Mr Chalong acknowledged that an earlier loan dispute was behind the confrontation. That account matched what he had told the television anchor after the shooting.
Even so, investigators continue gathering independent evidence concerning the motive. The search was intended to establish whether documentary evidence supported the claimed debt.
For detectives, the case now rests on several distinct evidence streams. First, CCTV provides an almost continuous record of the confrontation. The recording shows Mr Chalong approaching the Volvo while initially concealing his pistol.
Second, forensic officers recovered five 9mm cartridge cases around the vehicle. They also found two bullet holes inside the Volvo. Additionally, Pol Col Thongchai suffered four gunshot wounds, while his driver was wounded once.
Third, investigators seized the two firearms found inside the vehicle. The driver’s Sig Sauer is particularly relevant because of Mr Chalong’s self-defence claim. Pol Col Thongchai’s Smith & Wesson was also confiscated.
Against this evidence, police must assess Mr Chalong’s claim that the driver drew a firearm first. They must also compare that account with the recorded movements outside the Volvo.
Likewise, investigators are examining the former MP’s statements immediately following the shooting. According to police, he told Ms Anchalee he had fired about five shots. Forensic officers later recovered five 9mm cartridge cases around the vehicle.
His statements concerning the claimed 11 million baht debt form another part of the investigation. Police are now searching for loan documentation that could establish the history of that dispute.
Police searched Chalong’s home for loan records as investigators tested his account of the disputed debt
In addition, the motorcycle taxi driver’s evidence traces Mr Chalong’s movements immediately after he left the PAO compound. The driver also described Mr Chalong’s behaviour during their short journey.
While the criminal investigation proceeds, Pol Col Thongchai’s death creates an immediate political vacancy. The Nonthaburi PAO is now without its elected president.
Consequently, another election will eventually be required. Nonthaburi Governor Chettha Mosikarat said the replacement process must proceed under existing law. The Election Commission will handle the required procedures following Pol Col Thongchai’s death.
Elsewhere, Monday’s killing has triggered a security review around government facilities in Nonthaburi. The shooting occurred at the Nonthaburi Provincial Government Centre. It also followed another serious incident in the province only three days earlier.
In response, Governor Chettha said security measures would have to be tightened. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had already called for stricter weapons controls and intensified checkpoints.
Under those instructions, Nonthaburi is expected to strengthen security arrangements. Measures are set to include additional checkpoints and weapons checks.
Reporters also asked the governor about suggestions involving influential political figures within the province. For now, Mr Chettha said information available to him pointed towards a personal dispute.
The suspected gunman had also initially described the conflict as personal rather than political. Still, the governor said police would determine the circumstances through their investigation.
Governor orders tighter security as PAO vacancy triggers process for a fresh Nonthaburi election
Forensic work continued around Pol Col Thongchai’s black Volvo. Police cordoned off the area while specialists examined the vehicle and surrounding ground.
Inside, investigators examined the bullet damage and the locations of the two recovered firearms. Outside, they assessed the positions from which the shots were fired.
Taken together, that evidence will be compared with the CCTV recording and Mr Chalong’s statements. Police must also determine whether either firearm inside the Volvo was drawn during the confrontation.
Meanwhile, investigators are assembling the case file for court. Mr Chalong remained in police custody on Monday night.
On Tuesday, officers plan to take him before Nonthaburi Provincial Court. They will seek his remand in custody while the investigation continues. Police will also consider opposing bail based on the circumstances and available evidence.
At this stage, the former MP faces four charges headed by premeditated murder. Attempted murder forms the second major charge because the driver was also shot.
The remaining charges concern carrying and firing a firearm in public without justification. Mr Chalong has denied the murder accusation and continues to claim self-defence.
Police build case from CCTV, firearms and forensic evidence as Chalong prepares for court remand
Yet investigators have a detailed CCTV record covering approximately one minute. They also have five cartridge cases, bullet damage, two firearms and witness evidence.
Alongside that material, police are examining the claimed 11 million baht dispute. Officers have searched Mr Chalong’s home for documents that could clarify the financial relationship.
Monday’s shooting has therefore opened several parallel investigations into the same brief confrontation. Detectives are examining the gunfire, the firearms inside the Volvo and the claimed debt.
They are also reconstructing Mr Chalong’s movements immediately after the shooting. His telephone call and motorcycle journey provide further evidence covering those minutes.
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By Monday evening, police had questioned Mr Chalong, charged him and searched his home. Forensic officers had also examined the Volvo and recovered five cartridge cases.
Pol Col Thongchai, meanwhile, was dead after suffering four gunshot wounds. His wounded driver survived and escaped from the vehicle during the attack. The political consequences have also begun. Nonthaburi must eventually elect another PAO president, while security at provincial government facilities is being tightened.
For Mr Chalong, the immediate next step is court. Police will seek his continued detention on Tuesday while assembling the evidence against him. The central dispute remains sharply defined by the available material. Mr Chalong says an 11 million baht debt lay behind the conflict. He also says he fired after the driver drew a gun.
Police have nevertheless charged him with premeditated murder. Their case now turns on the CCTV recording, forensic findings, firearms, documents and witness accounts.
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