The Prime Minister criticized the police for allowing Chalerm Riewrang to sit calmly during an interview after storming and shooting the Provincial Governor, emphasizing that he is a murderer and was not even handcuffed as a suspect.
On 10 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, after receiving a progress report on the case of Chalerm Riewrang, former Nonthaburi MP, who shot and killed Pol.Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, Nonthaburi Provincial Governor, said he instructed the Nonthaburi Governor and Provincial Police Commander to act decisively, with no assistance or facilitation for the perpetrator regardless of status, as it is clear he is a murderer who broke the law. Both agencies will expedite action against local police.
The Prime Minister also commented on images showing the suspect without handcuffs, noting that in such a shocking and serious case, the offender was not handcuffed and even gave statements as if in a normal situation. He said he has informed Royal Thai Police Chief Pol.Gen. Kittirat Phunpet, who has reprimanded local police and ordered the case to proceed accordingly. The Prime Minister stressed the need for swift action.
“How could such images get out, showing him sitting at a press conference as if nothing happened just hours after shooting someone to death? That cannot be allowed. The crime has occurred; he was carrying a firearm, which is already illegal. Even if he had a possession permit, no one currently has a valid gun carry permit in Thailand because they expire annually. The last permits expired at the end of 2023 and early 2024. So anyone carrying a gun now may not realize they are breaking the law.” Anutin said.
He added that the government must establish clear policies or amend laws regarding firearm carrying with no exceptions. Welfare gun approvals are currently suspended and will not be authorized as he will not approve them. Regarding Chalerm’s membership in the Bhumjaithai Party, Anutin said he is not involved in party executive decisions. Membership status follows party rules, which may be automatically terminated because they prohibit members from committing legal or constitutional violations.
Reporters further noted that before leaving, the Prime Minister instructed attending provincial governors to establish firearm checkpoints at district levels nationwide, emphasizing that carrying firearms is illegal and that arrests must be enforced strictly.