Thailand faces another shooting, former MP wounds senior official just three days after massacre that left seven dead

Thai authorities have arrested former MP Chalong Reawraeng, who is suspected of shooting a local government official and then calling the host of a YouTube program to confess to the attack.

The victim, Thongchai Yenprasert, president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, was taken to hospital after suffering gunshot wounds. His driver, who was also injured, is being treated at the same hospital. According to local media reports, both are in serious condition.

Initial investigations suggest that a personal dispute between the former lawmaker and the official may have been behind the incident. The attack has caused shock across the country, particularly because it occurred just days after another serious shooting in the same province.

Three days before Monday’s shooting, a 14-year-old attacked his home and school in Nonthaburi with a gun. He first killed his grandparents at their residence and then opened fire on teachers and students at the school. The teenager later took his own life. In total, seven people were killed, making it the deadliest attack of its kind in Thailand since 2022.

According to the investigation’s findings so far, the 14-year-old’s behavior may have been influenced by exposure to violent material on social media, study-related pressure, family difficulties and conflicts with peers.

Meanwhile, in the case involving the former MP, authorities are trying to determine the personal motive that is suspected of having led to the attack.