BANGKOK, March 14 (TNA) -- Revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit  have offered gifts to four wounded policemen and defence volunteers in a bombing and shooting in the troubled southern province of Yala last week which also killed a police superintendent.

Representing the king and queen, Privy Councillor Palakorn Suwannarat  presented gifts and cash to the four policemen and defence volunteers  who were wounded following the ambush by insurgents last Friday.

He also conveyed Their Majesties King and Queen’s message which reportedly said they were concerned of safety of every soldier, policeman and civilian stationing in the three violence-plagued southern provinces -- Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

Mr Palakorn also reportedly told relatives of deceased Pol Col Sompien Eksomya  of Their Majesties’ condolences and had also assigned Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to attend a royally-sponsored cremation ceremony, due to be held this Wednesday.

Pol Sen Sgt-Maj Sophon Inthabovorn has died in hospital from severe wounds in the bombing which killed Pol Col Sompien. Others remain hospitalised.

Songkhla native Pol Col Sompien was known as the “Fighter at Budo Mountain” and “Iron Leg” as most of his patrols were carried out on foot. However, he earlier sought transfer out of the area to Trang province before his retirement next year after 40 years in service.

His request was rejected and he travelled to ask for justice at Government House making a national news headline.

More than 4,000 people have been killed since the renewed violence erupted in the restive southern provinces in early January 2004. (TNA)