Juling Pangamoon, a teacher at Ban Kuching Reupah in Rangae district is still unconscious after the brutal beating by a group of villagers who took her hostage together with Sirinart Thavornsuk. The hostage takers demanded the release of two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of two marines last year.

Doctors said yesterday that Juling's condition had not improved.

Police said they arrested Ayning Timumayoh, 31 and Melan Bakohkahu, 18 on Wednesday night for suspected involvement in the abduction, and added that 10 people, mostly women had now been arrested. Arrest warrants have been issued for a further 25 individuals.

Some parties have blamed the incident on the incompetence of security agencies and their delay in issuing troops to rescue the two teachers.

Army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday he had instructed the Fourth Army Region to monitor all sensitive areas and be ready to provide rapid response to any violent incidents.