Foundation president Pavena Hongsakul arrived home yesterday from the Persian Gulf country with the women and a warning for others considering the trip.

She said there were no jobs in Bahrain for Thai women and employment offers were bogus and should not be believed.

One of the four, Koi (not her real name), who suffered two broken legs, told reporters she had gone to Bahrain with friends to work.

They were forced to pay off debts to an employment broker and to provide sex for customers.

She broke her legs attempting to escape the hotel where they were detained.

Koi notified the foundation that Thai women in Bahrain were being held captive and forced to work in the sex industry. Others have been charged with illegal entry and prostitution.

Pavena gave the Thai Embassy in Manama the names of hotels and apartments where the women were said to be held. Ambassador Pitak Phrombuppa contacted the police, who rescued them.

Pavena said some Thai women travelled willingly but others were duped into making the trip. Once in Bahrain they endure poor conditions and are forced to remain indoors, so they are not seen by police.

Women are often assaulted and their passports and money always taken from them.