166 Vietnamese rescued from Myanmar casino dens

"Among the foreigners rescued, 166 Vietnamese nationals have been identified and have been taken to a safe place in the northern area of this country bordering China," the ministry's spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said at a press meet.

Hang said conflicts in northern and other parts of Myanmar, including Kayin state, are hampering efforts to reach and protect Vietnamese citizens.

"The Vietnamese embassy in Myanmar is coordinating with authorities in Vietnam, Myanmar as well as those in China on citizen protection plans to help repatriate the citizens as soon as possible. The embassy has also asked the Myanmar authorities to guarantee security and safety for the Vietnamese nationals," Hang said.

The ministry recommended that Vietnamese citizens avoid travelling to Shan and Kayin states of Myanmar, while people staying in the two places should make plans to evacuate to a third country or return to Vietnam, she said, adding that Vienamese citizens should follow information from local administrations, the foreign ministry's Consular Department and embassy.

In case of emergency Vietnamese can contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar via the citizen protection hotline +959660888998, or the Consular Department's hotlines +84 981 84 84 84 and +84 965 41 11 18.