NONTHABURI, Thailand – Former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Riewrang was remanded in custody on August 11 after the Nonthaburi Provincial Court rejected his request for temporary release in connection with the fatal shooting of Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation chief Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert. At 9 a.m., investigators from Rattanathibet Police Station submitted their first detention request to the Nonthaburi Provincial Court under case number For 823/2569.
Chalong faces charges including intentional murder, attempted murder, carrying a firearm in a town, village or public area without permission or reasonable cause, and firing a firearm using explosives without reasonable cause in a populated area. The charges are being pursued under relevant provisions of the Criminal Code and the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation Firearms Act of 1947. The case stems from an incident in which Chalong allegedly followed Pol. Col. Thongchai and fired three or four shots. The shooting left the PAO chief seriously injured before he later died from his injuries. After the court completed the detention process, Chalong submitted a request for temporary release.
The Nonthaburi Provincial Court rejected the bail request, citing the seriousness and alleged brazen nature of the offence, the severity of the potential penalties and the investigators’ objection to bail.
The court also expressed concern that releasing the suspect could create a risk of flight or lead to further offences. The court therefore dismissed the bail request and issued a detention warrant. Following the court’s order, corrections officials are expected to transfer Chalong to Nonthaburi Provincial Prison, where he will remain in custody while the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
