NHRC Intervention Leads to Rescue of Six Indian Workers Held Captive in Thailand; Four Repatriated to India.
New Delhi:
A swift intervention by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has led to the rescue of six Indian workers who were allegedly held captive and tortured by their employer in Thailand for several months. Following the Commission’s communication, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acted quickly to secure their release, with four of the workers repatriated to India the very next day.
According to official information released on Friday, the NHRC took suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the plight of the workers and wrote to the MEA on February 20, 2026, seeking details and assistance for the victims. Acting promptly, the MEA’s Southern Division contacted Thai authorities and coordinated with the employer to facilitate the rescue.
Four Workers Return to India
Four of the rescued workers were repatriated to India on February 21, 2026, arriving in Kolkata on a flight arranged and paid for by their employer from Bangkok. Officials confirmed that the employer bore the cost of the return journey.
The remaining two workers are yet to return to India as they are currently undergoing legal procedures in Thailand due to overstaying their visas. The MEA stated that it is actively pursuing the matter with Thai immigration authorities to ensure their early repatriation.
Workers Allegedly Held Captive and Tortured
The issue came to light after media reports on February 17, 2026, highlighted a video recorded by the workers describing their ordeal. The six workers, all residents of Kendrapara district, claimed they had been held captive inside a plywood factory near Bangkok.
According to the reports, the workers were forced to work for up to 12 hours a day without receiving wages or adequate food. They also alleged that their employer had confiscated their passports and subjected them to both physical and mental torture during their captivity.
NHRC’s Swift Action
Taking cognisance of the media report, the NHRC sought clarification from the MEA regarding the assistance being extended to the victims and their families. The Commission’s prompt action led to immediate diplomatic engagement with Thai authorities and the employer concerned, ultimately resulting in the rescue operation.
Efforts Continue for Remaining Workers
The MEA has assured that efforts are ongoing to bring the remaining two workers back to India at the earliest. Officials are in contact with Thai immigration authorities to resolve the visa-related legal issues so that the workers can be repatriated safely.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers abroad and underscores the importance of timely intervention by authorities to protect the rights and safety of Indian nationals working overseas.
