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Members of the Support Team sent by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to Thailand were mobilised to various parts of Phuket today (January 1, Thailand time) to assist Hong Kong residents affected by the tsunami.

"The team maintains its presence in six major hospitals on the Phuket Island and visited hospital and rescue centres in Krabi where those injured in the PP Island, a major tourist spot, are believed to be sent to. The team also visited a major resort in Khao Lak which was hard hit by the tsunami," said Ms Linda So, the coordinator of the Support Team.

A multi-disciplinary team comprising members of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department as well as medical experts departed for places where the injured were treated in Krabi. Over 40 police officers visited a major hotel resort in Khao Lak to try to find traces of Hong Kong residents. They were able to recover identity documents of some Hong Kong residents there. The police would use the latest information to try to locate the residents concerned. Their families would be informed of the latest progress.

The latest number of Hong Kong residents reported to have lost contact with their families stands at 74 in Thailand, as compared to 113 yesterday.

On January 1, two more Hong Kong residents were confirmed to have deceased in Phuket, thus making the number of fatality to four in total. A Hong Kong girl was found to be in critical condition in a hospital in Phuket. One Hong Kong patient in a Bangkok hospital is expected to be transferred back to Hong Kong soon.

The Thai authorities announced today (January 1) that they would take DNA samples from the deceased and to set up a DNA database. Blood relatives of persons may give DNA samples for matching. In the light of the plan announced by the Thai authorities, the HKSARG would take corresponding measures to help Hong Kong family to give their DNA samples.

"We appeal to Hong Kong residents not to travel to Thailand solely for the purpose of giving their DNA samples to the Thai authorities. The HKSARG would work out appropriate measures the details of which will be announced in due course."

To enhance publicity of the team's presence to help Hong Kong residents, the Civil Aid Service posted notices at the Phuket International Airport and around the city to publicise the hotlines and to appeal to Hong Kong residents to come forward for assistance.

Ends/Sunday, January 2, 2005

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