**********************************************

    A Government spokesman said today (March 7) that the Thai authorities had recently confirmed the death of three unlocated Hong Kong residents in the tsunami through their victim identification process.  

    This brought the total number of Hong Kong residents reported to have deceased to 15.  The HKSARG have approached the families of the deceased to provide practical assistance.

    Meanwhile, there remained 25 unlocated Hong Kong residents.  All were reported to be in Thailand.  

    The HKSARG will continue to follow outstanding cases and provide practical assistance to Hong Kong residents and their families where necessary.

    The Hong Kong Police have contacted relatives of missing Hong Kong residents to collect DNA samples for analysis on a voluntary basis.  Analysed DNA information as well as finger print records were sent to the Thai authorities through the appropriate channel for identification purpose.

    Hong Kong residents may call the Immigration Department's hotline at 2829 3010 for assistance.

Ends/Monday, March 7, 2005

NNNN