A group of 14 young Laotians who are currently detained at a Chinese-operated casino in Myanmar expressed their fear due to the recent conflicts in the nearby area of Myawaddy. They are requesting urgent efforts to secure their release.
These young Laotians were coerced into working as scammers at a place known as “Casino Kosai” located in a secluded development near Myawaddy.
The Karen National Union (KNU) and other anti-junta guerrilla groups seized control of the strategic trade town following intense clashes with Myanmar’s military earlier this month.
Some of the detained Laotians overheard junta soldiers discussing a potential bombing of the casino later in the week, as reported by four individuals to Radio Free Asia.
One of the detainees, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, appealed to the KNU soldiers to rescue them promptly as the fighting draws nearer to their location. They expressed fear of being caught in the crossfire.
Earlier in the month, two teenage girls were released from the casino after a hefty fee was paid, allowing them to return home to Luang Namtha province in Laos.
The remaining 14 individuals and their families are relying on the Lao Embassy in Yangon to negotiate their release.
Parents of the detainees have been persistently trying to secure their children’s release for over two years, with hopes pinned on diplomatic efforts to bring them back home.
Many of the young Laotians initially sought employment at casinos in the Golden Triangle but ended up being trafficked to the casino in Myanmar, located far from their homes.
With the escalating conflicts in the region, parents have become increasingly anxious and have reached out to authorities in Laos and Myanmar for help.
An official from the Lao embassy mentioned that they are in the process of gathering information on the situation and will be making a formal request to the junta authorities soon.
Efforts are being made to ensure the safe return of these Laotian individuals.
Translated by Max Avary. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
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