Thai Queen mourns protester

Queen Sirikit and her daughter attend the funeral of a young woman protester killed in a tear gas attack by police in Bangkok last week.

Thailand's revered Queen Sirikat arrives at the funeral of one of two protesters killed last week in a tear gas attack by police in Bangkok.

Police had also used smoke grenades to try to force thousands of anti-government protesters away from the national parliament.

Hundreds were hurt by shrapnel. Some lost limbs.

Police say they were not the cause but forensic tests have shown some of the tear gas canisters used are capable of such damage.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has apologised for last week's deadly clashes.

In a televised speech to the nation, he also addressed growing calls for his resignation. e

(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) PRIME MINISTER SOMCHAI WONGSAWAT, SAYING:

"The government is giving support to amend the constitution. The amendment could lead to everyone's acceptance to go forward. If all Thais are ready to accept the change that will benefit them, then I'm ready to step down without any problem."

He went on to say he doesn't think leaving the job he's had for just three weeks will solve Thailand's problems.

The protesters have virtually paralysed the government, polarized society, and already seen off one prime minister.

But they vow to keep occupying Government House until they get a leader with no links to ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Somchai is a brother-in-law of Thaksin.

Protest organisers see the queen's funeral visit as the strongest sign yet that they've got the support of the monarchy.

Susan Flory, Reuters