Local authorities are investigating an apparent human-trafficking case after a report surfaced yesterday that three teenage Cambodian girls were found locked in a Bangkok apartment room, seemingly abducted and destined to work as prostitutes.

According to the Bangkok Post, the girls, aged about 15, were heard screaming for help yesterday morning, trapped in an apartment on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 77.

A neighbour who heard the cries alerted Thai police.

Police said the victims could not speak Thai or English, adding a volunteer spoke to the frightened girls in Khmer.

According to the victims, they were locked inside the room by a man who said he would help them find their parents.

Police said the victims were likely trafficked and destined to work as prostitutes in Thailand.

They have been sent to a shelter while inquiries are made about their homes and families in Cambodia, according to the Bangkok Post.

Ministry of Interior secretary of state Chou Bun Eng said yesterday he had not yet been notified of the case, but said the government had formed a committee to crack down further on human trafficking.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Kuy Kong said he too was unaware of the situation, but had prompted an immediate investigation.

Thani Thongphakdi, spokesman for Thailand’s ministry of foreign affairs, and the Cambodian Embassy in Thailand could not be reached for comment yesterday.

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Sen David at [email protected]