Those fishermen were arrested together with their helmsman last August by Thai coast guards. The helmsman was brought to trial with charges of illegal fishing and labour abuse. The nine fishermen were classified as victims of forced labour. They, therefore, received medical care and accommodations and being kept for further investigations.
Representing the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand, Mr. Nguyen Hai Ngoc said since early this year Thailand has handed hundreds of fishermen over to Vietnam. The nine fishermen are in contact with their families now.The Embassy is completing necessary procedures to send them home next week.