SEVENTY-FIVE Cambodian workers and six children marooned for 10 days after being lured to build a resort on Koh Mook in Trang's Kantang district were rescued on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, Employment Department chief Sumet Mahosot yesterday said 444,097 migrant workers and 48,541 accompanying persons had registered at the 34 "one-stop" service centres nationwide and as a result the scheme would be expanded to 53 provinces and the operation time extended until next March 31.

Sunday's rescue mission by Trang marine police and soldiers from the Phraya Ratsadanu Pradit Camp began after the workers asked local villagers to call the authorities so they could return to Cambodia.

There were 109 Cambodians in total but 27 workers had been moved to work in Yan Ta Khao district.

The police investigation found that the workers had obtained legal documents from Sa Kaew authorities but were taken to the island by their employer, who collected them from Sa Kaew's Rong Kleu Market area.

A Cambodian worker said they had been promised construction jobs in Bangkok.

He said that when several workers resisted, the employer seized their passports and work documents and threatened to have them arrested.

More here: Police rescue stranded Cambodians - The Nation