Vientiane - An estimated 200,000 Lao labourers are working in neighbouring Thailand, of whom 120,000 are working there legally, state media reports said Monday.

According to Skill Development and Employment Department Director General Phouvanh Chanthavong, Thailand has this year sought 71,000 Lao labourers though government channels while Vietnam sought 3,000 people and South Korea 2,500 workers, the Vientiane Times reported.

Phouvanh warned that labourers who worked illegally in countries such as Thailand could be subject to abuse, including sexual exploitation.

"Lao workers don't need to work illegally, which puts them at risk from traffickers," Phouvanh said. "Young people who have good skills will have the opportunity to apply for these jobs with reputable employment companies."

Meanwhile, thousands of people from China and Vietnam have moved to Laos, of whom only 27,000 have done so legally, "presenting a challenge to the government," the government mouthpiece noted.

Laos is a landlocked country half the size of France with a population of 6.8 million. It is sandwiched between China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. (dpa)