Nonthaburi Provincial Council members teamed up to refute the 11 million baht money issue, revealing asset declarations of “Chalerm and Thongchai” and questioning who borrowed from whom. They vowed to reclaim justice and dignity for Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, affirming he is a good person who never used official cars or took a salary over 20 years, instead providing scholarships to children.
At 11:30 a.m. on 11 Aug 2026 GMT+7 in the third-floor meeting room of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), Mr. Pakin Worawanpreecha, Chairman of the Nonthaburi PAO Council; Ms. Wipawan Worawanpreecha, Secretary to the PAO President; and Mr. Chalermphon Niyomsin, former PAO Council Chairman and former Secretary to the PAO President—all close associates and team members supporting Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, former PAO President—held a joint press conference addressing allegations by former Nonthaburi MP Chalerm Riewrang claiming Pol. Col. Thongchai borrowed 11 million baht.
Mr. Chalermphon stated that after reviewing Mr. Chalerm’s media interviews claiming to have demanded repayment, inquiries with close associates revealed that during Chalerm’s meetings with President Thongchai, no mention was made of demanding repayment of an 11 million baht loan. Instead, discussions focused on money allegedly paid previously and waiving the right to run for election, while requesting President Thongchai to take responsibility, suggesting installment payments if a lump sum was unavailable.
Mr. Chalermphon questioned that if an 11 million baht loan truly existed, there should be details on when it was borrowed, the amount, its use, and repayment schedule. Over approximately 20 years working with President Thongchai, he had never heard about such a loan from Mr. Chalerm before, and the issue only surfaced after recent events. Comparing asset declarations submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in 2011, Mr. Chalerm reported combined cash and bank balances under 200,000 baht, whereas Pol. Col. Thongchai’s latest 2025 declaration showed over 300 million baht in deposits.
Mr. Chalermphon asked the media who, based on these facts, is more likely to have borrowed money from whom. He emphasized that presenting this information is not intended to defame but to clarify facts and restore justice for President Thongchai.
Regarding the 11 million baht figure, Mr. Chalermphon suggested it might relate to funds collected before the 2004 PAO presidential election, when the former PAO president and councilors possibly gathered money to support the election. However, he stressed he does not know whether those funds were given to President Thongchai. He confirmed that during President Thongchai’s tenure, he repeatedly declined outside financial support to avoid political indebtedness or obligations.
Ms. Wipawan Worawanpreecha, Secretary to the Nonthaburi PAO President, said that the relationship between President Thongchai and Mr. Chalerm originally was a good friendship with mutual support. Even after Mr. Chalerm ran against President Thongchai in the 2016 PAO election, causing some misunderstandings, they continued helping each other, especially with Mr. Chalerm’s medical expenses and financial or business assistance. She suggested the conflict might be a long-standing issue possibly related to Mr. Chalerm’s financial needs.
Ms. Wipawan also said that Mr. Chalerm had visited the Nonthaburi PAO and met with President Thongchai at his home several times to request financial assistance, sometimes receiving help and sometimes not. Close associates were aware of this behavior.
Concerning Mr. Chalerm’s claim that President Thongchai’s driver fired first, Ms. Wipawan noted that police found two firearms in the vehicle involved, both still holstered and not chambered. She viewed this as a claim solely from Mr. Chalerm’s side. Meanwhile, security footage showed Mr. Chalerm appeared prepared with his hand near a gun before the incident.
Regarding security, Mr. Pakin stated that the Nonthaburi PAO area usually experiences no violence, and staff do not carry firearms at work. Ms. Wipawan called on the government and police to tighten regulations on firearm permits and carrying, including inspections of weapons brought into government offices, schools, and public places.
On administration after President Thongchai’s death, Mr. Pakin said the PAO Secretary-General is currently acting as interim leader since the deputy president’s position ended along with the president's. Operations and budget considerations continue as normal.
On local politics in Nonthaburi, Mr. Pakin affirmed that there have been no severe political conflicts or "big house" factions causing disputes. Generally, all sides communicate and coordinate well, with President Thongchai regularly calling different parties and cooperating without violent incidents.
Regarding observations that former influential figure Mr. Chalerm Riewrang may have lost political popularity recently, Mr. Pakin said that Mr. Chalerm has not run in recent elections and has switched political parties multiple times, resulting in lower vote counts and diminished public confidence. However, Mr. Pakin believed that any feelings of being unrecognized or undervalued are Mr. Chalerm’s personal perceptions, not shared by others.
On the continuation of the "Phueng Luang" group, Mr. Pakin said two individuals have been designated to coordinate and carry on President Thongchai’s policies, affirming commitment to policies for the benefit of Nonthaburi residents.
Mr. Chalermphon emphasized that the purpose of this press conference is to restore justice, honor, and dignity to President Thongchai and urged society to consider all facts and information thoroughly.
Officials at the Nonthaburi PAO admitted they remain saddened by the loss but insisted that work must continue. They plan to enhance security measures within government offices to prevent similar incidents.
President Thongchai donated his entire 20-year salary as PAO president to scholarships for schools in Nonthaburi and never used official cars or claimed fuel expenses. His income came from real estate business and housing sales before entering politics.
After the press conference, the atmosphere in the PAO parking area where the incident occurred was solemn. Nonthaburi PAO members paid respects, placing flowers and garlands at the spot where Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert was fatally shot. The mood was mournful as everyone expressed condolences to the deceased.