BANGKOK, March 17 (TNA) - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has granted honorary ranks and royal decorations to two police officers killed in a bomb blast in violence-plagued Yala province on Friday.

The Prime Minister’s Office issued two announcements Tuesday about the King’s order to give special ranks and royal decorations to Pol Col Sompien Eksomya and Pol Sen Sgt-Maj Sophon Intharabovorn, awarding their sacrifice, bravery in carrying out their duties without fear on danger.

In Songkhla, officials from the Royal Household Bureau arranged a pavilion at the Klongple Temple in preparation for the royal cremation ceremony of Pol Gen Sompien, superintendent of the Bunnang Sata police station. His rank was promoted posthumously.

HM the King designated HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to be his representative to preside over the ceremony scheduled at 2pm on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will attend the royally-sponsored funeral.
 
The two police officers were killed in the bombing and shooting attack while on duty, patrolling an area.
 
Pol Col Sompien died enroute to hospital and  Pol Sen Sgt-Maj Sophon was later pronounced dead at hospital, while two others were wounded.

Songkhla native 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 from 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 national news headlines. (TNA)