Forensic police collected evidence at the crime scene, finding two guns inside the vehicle of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization Chief, stored in holsters by the door and unused. The Region 1 Police Commander stated that after examining surveillance footage, no return fire was observed. The suspect’s claim may be considered, but police are reviewing legal matters.
Progress on the case where Chalong Rerwhrang, a former multiple-term Nonthaburi MP, allegedly shot Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, Chief of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, at its office located within the Nonthaburi Provincial Hall, injuring both Pol. Col. Thongchai and his driver.
Recently, the director of Phra Nang Klao Hospital confirmed that Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert has died. The bullet struck his neck, causing severe bleeding, compounded by medication affecting blood clotting, as previously reported.
Subsequently, forensic police seized two firearms from a black Volvo car, license plate Kas 88 Nonthaburi, belonging to Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, Chief of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization. One gun, a Sig Sauer, belonged to the driver, and the other, a Smith, to Pol. Col. Thongchai. The weapons were confiscated for case processing.
Inside the car, two bullet holes were found, and around the area, five 9mm bullet casings. Officers reconstructed bullet trajectories from outside the vehicle. Rattanathibet Police used Police LINE tape to cordon off the area in front of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization office, especially near the black Volvo.
At 13:40, Pol. Lt. Gen. Watthana Yijin, Region 1 Police Commander, Pol. Maj. Gen. Worachat Saenkham, Region 1 Investigation Division Commander, and Pol. Col. Poonsuk Techaprasertporn, Investigation Unit 1 Chief, inspected the scene and instructed forensic police to conduct a detailed investigation.
At the scene, five 9mm bullet casings of the same type were found, and inside the Chief’s vehicle, two handguns were discovered—one revolver and one magazine-fed—kept in holsters by the door and not removed or used.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Watthana Yijin said that initially, the suspect cited personal frustration and money lending issues as motives. Whether this is credible remains under consideration. CCTV footage shows intentional shooting, while premeditation is still being investigated.
Regarding the suspect’s claim that the Chief’s driver drew a gun first, this is the suspect’s statement aimed at self-defense. Police will investigate and verify this claim thoroughly as it is solely the suspect’s account.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Watthana added that the guns belonging to the Chief and the driver showed no evidence of being fired in return. CCTV footage also confirms no return fire from their side. While the suspect may claim this, the police are examining the legal aspects.
After Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert’s death, police immediately arrested Chalong Rerwhrang. Preliminary charges include premeditated murder, unauthorized possession of firearms in public areas, and discharging firearms in public without justification. The suspect denies all charges.