RANONG, July 6 – Thai and Lao rubber workers being held in Myanmar by that countries authorities reportedly have been misled and victimized by brokers telling them the land—inside Myanmar—was in Thailand and that it was available for sale and settlement.

Talks between the Thai military and the Myanmar authorities in this border zone are continuing in an attempt to release 80 Thai and Lao nationals detained across the border for forest encroachment, but 18 of the group reportedly escaped.

Read more: MCOT