Their Majesties the King and Queen have graciously sponsored the funerals of the two police killed in shooting and grenade attacks in Bangkok on Friday, with wreaths and money presented to the families of the deceased.
HRH Princess Sirindhorn also had her money distributed to the families of Pol Sgt Major Witthaya Phromesamlee, of Nong Maphong Police Station in Chainat, and L Cpl Kannuphat Lertjanphen, of Thung Maha Mek Police Station in Bangkok.
Privy councillor Kamthorn Sinthuwanont yesterday presented the princess' money in a ceremony at Tree Thossathep Temple where the funerals are being held, after Grand Chamberlain Prathueng Hammathat bestowed Their Majesties' money on the families.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presided over the state funeral for both officers in the evening. Witthaya's body departs Bangkok today for Ubon Ratchathani, where its cremation will be held on Thursday.
National Police spokesman Pongsapat Pongcharoen said the royal patronage was greatly appreciated and had boosted the morale of all police tasked with crowd control operations against the red-shirted protest in Bangkok.
The two families received other funds and welfare benefits from the police force and the two officers will be awarded posthumous promotions.
Chulalongkorn Hospital said three police out of the eight wounded in both attacks were still in custody, including Sr Sgt Major Kiattisak Ancharin, who needs to undergo a second brain operation soon.
Metropolitan Police chief Santhan Chayanont said those behind the two attacks last Friday night were likely affected by actions taken by police or the arrests of people on many occasions.
"The manner of attacks appeared to be acts of revenge or to teach some lessons to police. However, those stationed at both scenes were merely doing their jobs and were from different units than the officers who made the arrests," he said.
Now 2,000 police - three times the number before the Friday night attacks - were assigned on foot patrol at and around the Ratchaprasong Intersection where the red shirts have been camping out since March 12.
All police operating around the protest site are now instructed to carry handguns for self-defence. Anti-riot officers had not been allowed to carry firearms before.
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship in the morning held a religious ceremony to mourn the red-shirted protesters killed one month before on April 10 by gunfire from unknown sources.