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

    A Government spokesman said today (March 31) that the Thai authorities had  confirmed the death of one more unlocated 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 20.

    Meanwhile, there are still 20 unlocated Hong Kong residents. All were reported to be in Thailand.  

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

    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 purposes.

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

Ends/Thursday, March 31, 2005

NNNN