Anutin Demands Strict Action Over Chalong Reu-แรง Shooting Case
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul orders strict legal action against former MP Chalong Reu-แรง for the fatal shooting of Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization president, criticizing police for not handcuffing the suspect during a relaxed press appearance.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Anutin orders Nonthaburi governor and provincial police chief to handle the high-profile murder case decisively.
- Criticizes police for failing to handcuff the murder suspect and allowing him to give relaxed press statements.
- Declares that all gun carry permits in Thailand have expired and carrying firearms is now illegal.
- Orders nationwide district-level checkpoints to crack down on illegal weapons and halts welfare gun approvals.
On August 10, 2026, at 5:55 PM at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani exhibition center, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened with key local officials—including Nonthaburi Governor Chettha Mosikorat and Nonthaburi Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Detrapepee Kongdee—to receive progress updates on the murder of Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, allegedly shot by former MP Chalong Reu-แรง.
During the meeting, Mr. Anutin strictly instructed authorities to handle the high-profile case without leniency or special facilitation, emphasizing that the suspect's status is unequivocally that of a criminal. He expressed strong displeasure upon seeing footage of the suspect unrestrained by handcuffs, casually giving statements as if nothing had happened. He has already coordinated with National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet to reprimand the handling of the suspect and expedite legal proceedings.
"How is it possible that footage like that goes out? Just a few hours after shooting someone dead, he is sitting there holding a press conference as if nothing happened. That is simply unacceptable."
Anutin Charnvirakul
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the issue of firearm possession, clarifying that all weapon carry licenses in Thailand have expired because annual renewals are mandatory, with the latest permits having expired by late 2023 and early 2024. Consequently, anyone currently carrying a firearm is violating the law. Mr. Anutin also stated that he will not approve any pending welfare firearm proposals and directed all provincial governors attending the OTOP event to establish weapon inspection checkpoints at the district level nationwide.
Context and Analysis: This high-level intervention underscores the Thai government's intensified stance on violent crime and lax enforcement regarding illegal firearm possession. By publicly calling out procedural leniency in a high-profile murder case involving local political figures, the administration aims to reassure the public of strict adherence to the rule of law and close legal loopholes surrounding weapon permits.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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