Former Thai MP Arrested for Shooting Local Official

A former member of Thailand's parliament was arrested on Monday after allegedly shooting and wounding a senior local government official and his driver in Nonthaburi province, an incident that occurred just days after a deadly school shooting in the same region reignited national debate over gun control.

The alleged shooter has been identified as Chalong Reawraeng, a 71-year-old former lawmaker. His victim was Thongchai Yenprasert, the president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation. According to police, the shooting took place outside the provincial offices building. Both Thongchai and his driver were hospitalized, with multiple reports describing their condition as seriously injured.

Nonthaburi police chief Major General Dejrapee Kongdee confirmed the arrest and stated that two people were wounded and sent for treatment. He added that authorities were investigating the motive. Local media reports suggested a private dispute may have been the cause, but police declined to comment on that possibility.

In a notable development, Chalong reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack by calling into a popular political commentator's live YouTube show shortly...