A group of “long-necked” tribeswomen missing from their homes in northern Thailand were probably kidnapped to be sold to tourist attractions, Thai police have said.

The seven women and four children disappeared from their village last week. They are members of the Padaung tribe.

Famous for their apparently elongated necks, tribeswomen have been forced to work in tourist villages – condemned as “human zoos” by pressure groups – run by Thai businessmen around the northern resort of Chiang Mai.

Following publicity over the treatment of the women, who have no legal status in Thailand, visitor numbers have fallen. This has led entrepreneurs to establish the attractions closer to southern tourist resorts such as Pattaya.

Tourist police inspector Pattanchai Pamornpiboon said that those running the Padaung tourist attractions had ordered the abduction of tribespeople to take part in tourist shows.

Chote Naramonthon, chairman of a tourism alliance network, criticised local police for their inaction, saying that human trafficking was harming Thailand’s tourism industry.

There have been allegations, reported in the Thai media, that police are complicit in the people-smuggling operations.

Times recommends

• 52 brilliant weekend breaks for 2010
• Why are UK airports so child unfriendly?
• Ditch the spas - most detox talk is nonsense