Delegates at a regional workshop in Thailand are discussing the issue of young Southeast Asians who are falling victim to human traffickers and being forced to commit cyber-crimes.

The two-day event began on Tuesday and has brought together officials and civic group members from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. It is being organized by the Thai government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

There are an increasing number of reports of human traffickers who began targeting young people who lost their jobs during the pandemic.

The victims are typically lured by online advertisements and eventually forced to take part in cyber scams. In many cases, their passports are taken away from them, and they are locked up or subjected to physical violence.

The delegates are discussing ways to protect those victims who manage to escape. They want to conclude an action plan on collaboration among the countries.

The workshop will continue through Wednesday.