Following the discovery of the three bodies in the forest, security officers apprehended six suspects for questioning and found an M16 rifle, an AK-47 rifle, three pistols and ammunition, said Colonel Yutthanam Phetchmoung, deputy spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) 4th Region Front Command.

Isoc would determine whether the weapons were linked to attacks, he said, adding that the suspects were from villages in Tambon Tanyong Jung-nga and Tambon Tanyong Dalor.

Army Region 4 chief Lt-General Piyawat Nakwanich offered condolences to the slain teenagers’ families and instructed officials to provide them with aid in line with regulations.

He also told authorities to gather evidence to identify the killers and bring them to justice.

Yutthanam condemned the attack as inhumane.

He urged the public to provide information on the case via the hotline 1341, which is available 24 hours a day.