Former Thai lawmaker Chalong Riewraeng was arrested after allegedly shooting dead a senior local government official at a government office in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok.

The shooting took place at the headquarters of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization at around 11 a.m. The victim, Thongchai Yenprasert, who headed the provincial organization, was critically wounded and later died in hospital. His driver was also shot and suffered injuries to his arm.

Police said Chalong admitted to the shooting and described the motive as personal. The former lawmaker later told reporters that he had argued with Thongchai over money he had previously lent him.

Chalong said he followed Thongchai toward his vehicle after the argument and drew his gun. He claimed he did not intend to shoot him but opened fire after the driver's weapon was allegedly pointed at him.

Former lawmaker calls commentator during live broadcast

The case drew further attention after Chalong contacted political commentator Anchalee Paireerak while she was broadcasting live on YouTube.

During the call, Chalong reportedly told Anchalee that he had shot Thongchai. She urged him to put down the weapon, remain at the scene and wait for police.

Police later took Chalong to a station, where he was allowed to address reporters. Authorities said the arrangement was intended to give him an opportunity to apologize to the victim's family.

Instead, Chalong spoke about the incident for several minutes and maintained that he had not intended to kill Thongchai, whom he described as someone he had known personally.

Thongchai was a retired police colonel and had served as president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization.

The shooting came only days after another deadly shooting in Nonthaburi, in which a 14-year-old student allegedly killed several people at a school and at his family home. Authorities have not indicated any connection between the two incidents.

Police are continuing to investigate the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the dispute. (ILKHA)