Ex-Thai MP 'kills former police official', confesses on YouTube before arrest

Former Thai lawmaker Chalong Reawraeng was arrested on Monday after a former police official was shot dead outside his office in Nonthaburi province. Reawraeng, a former MP from the province, reportedly confessed to the shooting during a YouTube livestream shortly after the incident.

Thongchai Yenprasert, president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), was shot in the neck and later died while being treated at a hospital. His driver was also wounded in the shooting, suffering injuries to his arm and hand.

Ex-MP confesses during YouTube livestream

According to a BBC report, Reawraeng contacted political commentator Anchalee Paireerak soon after the shooting while she was conducting a YouTube livestream. He reportedly told her that he had fired at Thongchai outside his office.

Reawraeng was later taken into custody by police. After his arrest, he was allowed to speak to reporters at a police station, where he gave his version of events while smoking a cigarette.

The former lawmaker said he had not intended to shoot Thongchai, whom he described as a “good friend". He also claimed that Thongchai was “angry" with him, although he did not explain what had led to the disagreement.

Accused claims shooting followed confrontation

Reawraeng said he had approached Thongchai to discuss the matter. According to his account, the former police colonel pushed him away and refused to speak.

“He (Thongchai) then pushed me, saying ‘I don’t want to talk, I don’t want to talk,'" the ex-lawmaker stated.

Reawraeng said he then followed Thongchai towards his vehicle and pulled out his gun. He claimed he did not initially intend to fire but did so after Thongchai's driver allegedly pointed a firearm at him.

“When I pulled the gun out, I didn’t intend to shoot him. But then (Thongchai’s driver) pulled his gun out and pointed it at me, so I fired."

Shooting raises fresh gun concerns

The incident came just three days after a 14-year-old allegedly killed eight people at his home and school before taking his own life. Authorities have said the two incidents are unrelated.

The back-to-back shootings are likely to renew scrutiny of firearm regulations in Thailand, which has the highest rate of gun ownership in Southeast Asia.