Suchart expressed his condolences to the family of the Nonthaburi PAO chief, acknowledging that both men were close but he was unaware of any debt-related issues between them. He remarked that such incidents should not occur since both are over 70 years old. Regarding political disputes, he believes that once elections end, the conflicts should also conclude.
At 09:50 on 11 August 2026 at the Government House, Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, commented on the case where Chalerm Riewrang, former Nonthaburi MP for several terms, shot Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, Nonthaburi PAO chief, resulting in his death. Suchart said he personally knows both men and expressed condolences to the PAO chief’s family. He noted that Chalerm is a senior politician with whom he has worked and been acquainted since he became an MP in 2011. Suchart acknowledged that the two had a long-standing close relationship but had some misunderstandings and political competition. However, he was unaware of any deeper grievances and expressed regret for both parties.
When asked if he had recently spoken with either man, Suchart said he had, but nothing contentious arose. He knows both well and did not cause any disputes between them. He observed that everyone is getting older and should consider stepping back and resting, especially as they are all over 70.
Asked if he had previously been aware of their problems or tried to mediate, Suchart replied that in politics, some positions are limited, so ambitions naturally arise. He believes that once elections are over, the matter should be settled since they have known each other for a long time. The issue that occurred might be a personal matter beyond public knowledge.
Suchart also stated he does not wish to interfere with the legal case but confirmed he knows both men well as his political seniors. Regarding any debts, he said he was never aware of such matters. He reiterated his condolences to both families, emphasizing that incidents like this should never happen. Both men have been in politics for more than 30 years and should not have resorted to such decisions, though regrettably, it has occurred.