Former Thai lawmaker arrested after shooting at a government office, killing at least 8
BANGKOK — A man was arrested following a shooting incident Monday that killed one and injured another in a government office outside Bangkok, days after a student opened fire at his school and family home in the same province, killing at least eight people.The shooting occurred around 11 a.m.at the offices of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, according to the provincial public relations department.
It said the suspect, identified as Chalong Riewraeng, a former lawmaker, was arrested.Thongchai Yenprasert, chief executive of the organization who police believe was the target, died from critical wounds at a hospital after being shot in the face and neck, while his driver was shot in the arm and is in stable condition, officials said.Regional police commander Wattana Yeejeen said the suspect had admitted to the shooting and that the motive is believed to be personal.Chalong told reporters at a local police station that he was arguing with Thongchai over money he had lent him.He said he followed Thongchai to his car before drawing his weapon.He said he did not intend to shoot Thongchai, but the driver also drew a gun and pointed at him, prompting him to open fire.“I wanted to apologize to the people of Nonthaburi,” he said.
“I had no intention.We were friends and I thought we could talk it out, but he wouldn’t talk to me.”The incident drew particular attention as it happened just days after a 14-year-old student allegedly killed at least eight people in a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School and his home on Friday, before apparently taking his own life.A 12-year-old schoolgirl and five school staff were killed by the attack at the school, while the boy also appeared to have killed his two grandparents at his family home earlier in the morning, officials said.Atthapol Anusit, deputy regional police commander, said Sunday that police had interviewed several witnesses but had not yet determined the motive for the attack.
He said the...