Human trafficking cases in four months (Jan-April) this year increased to 45 in Myanmar from 19 in the same period of last year, according to figures of the anti- human trafficking authorities on Tuesday.

Most of the cases occurred in Shan State where 130 of 169 victims were saved.

Most were men who had been sold to work as forced laborers in neighboring Thailand.

According to official statistics, the authorities exposed 1,168 cases between 2006 and April this year, rescuing more than 2,000 victims and arresting 2,106 traffickers. More than 1,000 suspects remain on the run.

In 2014, a total of 245 human traffickers were arrested in 124 cases. Most victims were reportedly sold as fraudulent marriage partners and forced laborers in neighboring countries.

Myanmar enacted the Anti-Human Trafficking law in September 2005.

Myanmar has pledged anti-human trafficking activities in collaboration with the international community including UN organizations, local and international non-governmental organizations.