The Labour Ministry is helping Thai workers who were duped into prostitution in the United Arab Emirates.
Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin said yesterday that Supachai Phosu, second deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, had informed him of cases where Thai workers were urged to apply for jobs in the massage business but were later forced to become prostitutes.
Anyone who refused to comply was reportedly threatened and physically harmed, Mr Suchart said.
He said Laddawan Singoi, 34, was asked to go to work in a Thai massage shop in Dubai by her aunt in Nakhon Phanom in October 2021. However, she was forced to accept sex work and locked up in a room if she refused to comply.
Mr Suchart said at least two more Thai women were known to be in a similar situation: Sureeporn Ponyiam from Roi Et and Sasitaporn Wattanasri from Buri Ram. All three had their passports and other documents seized and were unable to travel outside the city of Ajman.
Ms Laddawan said she had been in contact with the Thai consulate in Dubai since March 28 but no progress had been made in her case. She eventually contacted other government departments to assist in returning her and her friends to Thailand.
Mr Suchart said the government is concerned about Thai labourers abroad because they are the breadwinners of their families in Thailand and increase the country's revenue. The Labour Ministry will try to help resolve any problems they face, he said. He added the ministry had contacted the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai to assist any Thai workers in need.
Thai government staff will file a report with the police in Dubai to help workers apply for emergency passports so they can be repatriated, he said. The International Cooperation Bureau has also communicated with Provincial Labour Offices to inform the victims' families of their current situation.