Former Thai MP detained after shooting Nonthaburi local govt official

BANGKOK - A former Thai lawmaker was detained after allegedly shooting the president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) and injuring his driver at the PAO office in Nonthaburi province, northwest of Bangkok on Monday.

Nonthaburi Governor Chettha Mosikarat said the incident occurred at about 11am when the suspect allegedly opened fire on PAO president Police Colonel Thongchai Yenprasert and his driver.

He said both victims suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

"I know both parties, the alleged perpetrator and the injured person. They were friends in the past and had a good relationship.

"However, it is believed that their discussion did not reach an agreement, which led to the incident. For the details, we have to wait until police complete their questioning to establish the actual motive," he told reporters on Monday.

Royal Thai Police identified the suspect as former Nonthaburi member of parliament Chalong Riawraeng, who surrendered to police and was taken to Rattanathibet Police Station for questioning.

Provincial Police Region 1 Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Wattana Yichin led the investigation at the police station, according to police.

The incident came just two days after a 14-year-old student of Debsirin Nonthaburi School allegedly shot his grandparents dead before opening fire at the school, killing eight people including teachers and students. The suspect was later found dead at the school with a gunshot wound to the head.

Twenty-one others were injured in the rampage and taken to hospital for treatment, with eight reported to be in critical condition. - BERNAMA