Rape and murder suspect forced to apologise

Police yesterday escorted a rape and murder suspect to the victim's funeral at a Bangkok temple yesterday and forced him to apologise to her and her relatives.

The suspect was also taken to the alleged crime scene as part of a re-enactment.

The funeral is being held at to Wat Bungthonglang in Soi Ladprao 101.

It is believed that the suspect, motorcycle taxi driver Suthee Boonphrom, 23, raped and killed the victim on February 4 in Soi Phokaeo 3 in Bang Kapi district, which is not too far from Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's residence. The suspect was arrested on Saturday in Phetchabun province.

Meanwhile, the prime minister told reporters yesterday that she had asked the metropolitan police to work together with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to provide more street-lamps in risky areas of the capital.

She said she had also urged the metropolitan police chief to ensure the safety of people travelling in risky areas.

On Monday, the victim's relatives carried her coffin to protest outside the premier's residence, demanding that the suspect apologise to them.