Bangkok: The national police chief presided over the chanting of prayers for six police officers. The atmosphere was filled with sadness as preparations are being made to send the bodies back to their hometowns tomorrow (27 Apr).
According to Thai News Agency, Police General Kittirat Panphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, led the royal bathing ceremony for the six officers, an event attended by Police General Adul Sangsingkaew, former Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, along with other police officers and the relatives of the deceased. The ceremony, which began at 16.45 hrs, lasted approximately an hour. Following this, Police Colonel Narat Sawetanan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Royal Palace, placed 12 royal wreaths in front of the coffins, a solemn tribute to the fallen.
Later at 6:00 PM, Police General Kittirat led the chanting of prayers for the officers at Sala 4 of Wat Tri Thotsathep Worawihan. Relatives and friends of the officers joined in the ceremony, enveloped in an atmosphere of grief. The prayers will last only for one night, after which the bodies will be returned to their families for religious rites in their respective hometowns.
The arrangements for transporting the officers' bodies include a Fokker plane carrying Pol. Lt. Col. Panathep to Lampang Province, while Police Senior Sergeant Jiravat's body will be flown to Songkhla Province. Pol. Sgt. Maj. Prawit will be transported by helicopter from the Police Aviation Base, Tha Raeng, to Roi Et Province, and Pol. Lt. Col. Chaturong will be taken by van to Ratchaburi Province. The departure from Wat Trithatthepworawihan is scheduled for 10:00 AM.