In the case of a former Thai MP shooting a local high-ranking official outside a government building, the suspect Charong personally called into a live broadcast after the crime to confess his guilt to the host. Astonishingly, he was later permitted to hold a press conference at the police station. Thai Prime Minister Anutin expressed his shock at the incident.
According to reports, former Nonthaburi MP Charong shot current administrative chairman Thongchai several times outside a local government office on the morning of the 10th. Thongchai was hit in the neck and died after being taken to hospital, while his driver was shot in the right arm and is now out of danger after surgery. After the shooting, Charong put the pistol back in his pocket and walked away, later turning himself in.
After his arrest, Charong was allowed to hold a press conference at the police station, where he smoked a cigarette while recounting the events of the shooting, causing public uproar.
He was seen after the arrest at the police station without handcuffs and leisurely smoking as he gave a media interview lasting more than six minutes. Photos and videos of the scene have spread widely on social media. Prime Minister Anutin publicly rebuked the police: “No matter who he is, today he has only one identity: 'murderer'.” He criticized the police for allowing Charong to be interviewed uncuffed, stating, “This is unacceptable.”
“An evildoer doesn’t need to wear handcuffs, can even hold a press conference—as if nothing has happened... This is completely wrong.”
● Charong Under Pressure, Allowed to Smoke
The Nonthaburi governor denied that Charong received any special privileges, explaining that Charong was allowed to smoke during the media interview because he was under great pressure and his hands were shaking.
Thongchai joined the Thai police in 1984, serving as deputy chief and chief at various Nonthaburi police stations. Since 2004, he transferred to the chairman post and has long been active in local administration and public affairs. In 2023, he ran for MP as a Bhumjaithai Party candidate but was defeated.
● Illness, Financial Trouble, Seeking 11 Million Baht Debt
After his arrest, Charong told the media that years ago, Thongchai had borrowed 11 million baht from him as campaign funds. The two were political allies for years, and Charong had assisted Thongchai several times with election arrangements and in securing civil service positions. In recent years, Charong fell into financial difficulties due to illness, so he decided to pursue repayment of the debt. On the day of the incident, Thongchai unequivocally stated he “could not repay,” which made Charong lose control. He emphasized he had no intention to kill, and claimed that only fired back because the other side’s driver drew first.
● Phone Call to Political Commentator
After the incident, Charong immediately called former journalist and political commentator Anchalee, who was live on YouTube at the time. He admitted to firing about four or five shots at Thongchai. The call lasted about 13 minutes and was broadcast in its entirety, with Anchalee visibly shocked as she repeatedly urged him to put down his weapon, stay calm, and remain at the scene for police arrival, while simultaneously contacting the police.
YouTube viewers could not hear the other end of the phone, but Anchalee’s shock was evident.