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    A Government spokesman said today (March 16) that the Thai authorities had recently confirmed the death of one more unlocated foreign Hong Kong resident in last December's tsunami through the victim identification process.

    This brings the total number of Hong Kong residents reported to have died to 19.

    Meanwhile, there are still 21 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/Wednesday, March 16, 2005

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