Scenes from the Thai hospital where commandos killed 10 armed Burmese rebels, freeing some 500 hostages.

The surprise attack came shortly before dawn amid a hail of gunfire.

Staff and patients had been held hostage by teenage gunmen since early Monday morning.

The hostages-takers' bodies were put on display. It is not clear whether any escaped.

The rebels came from "God's Army" which is under attack by Burmese government forces over the border.

The assembled media was held back as the Thai commandos went to work.

The hostages were taken away from the scene of their ordeal by a fleet of ambulances.

Soldiers took control of the hospital before searching the complex for booby traps.

Hospital staff applauded the departing troops. The rescue was hailed as a remarkable success for the Thai authorities.