NONTHABURI, Thailand – Police have charged former MP Chalong Riewraeng with premeditated murder and three other serious offences. A court in Nonthaburi denied him bail on Tuesday and extended his remand.
Chalong is accused of shooting dead the chief of Nonthaburi provincial administration. He now faces a string of charges that could land him behind bars for life.
Four charges against the ex-MP
Officers from Rattanathibet police station filed four charges: premeditated murder, attempted murder, firing a gun in a public place, and illegally carrying a gun in a public place.
Police said they strongly opposed bail, pointing to the severity of the allegations.
Remand extended in Nonthaburi province
After the court ruling, Chalong was taken from Rattanathibet station in a police convoy with commando units. He refused to speak to reporters.
The accused is now held in Nonthaburi Provincial Prison. The shooting took place in Nonthaburi.
Provincial chief shot dead in car park
Chalong is accused of firing at retired police officer Thongchai Yenprasert on Monday morning in a car park behind the provincial administration offices in Muang district. Thongchai ran the Nonthaburi Provincial Administration Organisation.
Thongchai died at Phranangklao Hospital. His driver, known only as Yod, was also wounded.
Dispute over 11 million baht debt
Thongchai was a longtime friend of Chalong’s, according to the report. But he allegedly refused to repay a debt of 11 million baht to the former MP.
Chalong had been elected as an MP for Nonthaburi province under several different parties in previous elections.
Extra fine for smoking at police station
On Tuesday, Chalong was also hit with a 5,000 baht fine for smoking during his interrogation at the police station, violating health regulations. Photos of the offence emerged after his questioning on Monday.
Police faced criticism for treating the suspect too leniently and granting him special privileges. Critics also noted he was not handcuffed, contrary to standard procedure.