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    Thai authorities had confirmed, through the victim identification process, the death of one more Hong Kong resident in the December 26, 2004, tsunami.

    A Government spokesman said today (May 26) that this brought the total number of Hong Kong residents reported to have died to 27.

    Meanwhile, 13 Hong Kong residents are still missing. All were reported to be in Thailand.

   The HKSARG will continue to follow up 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 fingerprint 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/Thursday, May 26, 2005

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