Indonesia has praised Thailand for giving the best assistance of any country to its fishing workers stranded on remote islands after being trafficked and abandoned.
Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the praise came after more than 500 Thai fishing crew returned home after being stranded on Indonesian islands.
Maj Gen Sansern on Thursday quoted Thailand's neighbour as saying in a message to the Thai government that it was the best in taking care of its stranded fishing workers and helping them to get back home.
"The process of returning Thai crew members takes about a month compared to that of other countries which take five to seven months," Maj Gen Sansern said.
He thanked the Indonesian government for its efforts in helping Bangkok authorities to do their job.
From Oct 1 to May 20, the Thai embassy in Jakarta had arranged to send home 567 Thai fishing workers stranded on Indonesian islands including Ambon, he said.
Before being repatriated, Indonesian authorities questioned them about human traffickers, after which Thai authorities issued them with certificates of identity.
Maj Gen Sansern said the workers would receive job placement assistance and compensation and welfare upon their return.