NONTHABURI, Thailand — Police have arrested former Member of Parliament Chalong Riewrang after he allegedly opened fire at a local government administration office in Nonthaburi province, just north of Bangkok, leaving two people injured.
The attack occurred on Monday morning, August 10, 2026 when the former lawmaker arrived at the provincial government complex. According to authorities, the gunman targeted a senior local government official—the chairman of the local administration—and his driver.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots echoing through the administrative building, triggering panic among staff and visitors. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, securing the area and providing immediate medical care to the victims.
The victims, a senior local government official and his driver, were both injured in the attack—the official suffering serious gunshot wounds—and were urgently rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Shortly after the shooting, police apprehended and took former local MP Chalong Riewrang into custody as the primary suspect.
"We have detained the suspect and are currently interrogating him regarding his motive," said Major General Dejrapee Kongdee, commander of the Nonthaburi provincial police. "The two injured individuals are receiving care at the hospital."
The violent incident comes at a time of extreme tension in Nonthaburi province. Just days prior, the region was rocked by a tragic mass shooting at a local school, an event that reignited nationwide debates over firearm accessibility and strict gun control legislation across Thailand.
Authorities have cordoned off the government building as forensic teams gather evidence, bullet casings, and security footage. Police confirmed that a formal investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the shooting and to pursue appropriate criminal charges.
Meanwhile, local government leaders and civil rights advocates have strongly condemned the violence, calling for immediate measures to bolster security across municipal facilities. Officials announced that public access to high-profile administrative offices in Nonthaburi will face tightened security screenings and metal detectors starting immediately, while community leaders urge the government to fast-track promised gun reform bills in the wake of the back-to-back tragedies.
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