SB dedicated task force continues follow-up in Thailand on cases of Hong Kong residents detained for illegal work (with photos)

     The Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and members of the dedicated task force from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department today (January 14) continued their itinerary in Thailand to meet with relevant parties under the Thai National Police to follow up on cases of Hong Kong residents suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work.

     Mr Cheuk met with Thailand's Senior Inspector General Mr Thatchai Pitaneelaboot in the morning to exchange intelligence on the request-for-assistance cases and received positive feedback. Mr Pitaneelaboot expressed that they will further strengthen the prevention and combat of transnational crimes and do their utmost to assist with the safe return of Hong Kong assistance seekers as soon as possible.

     Members of the dedicated task force later met with the Deputy Commissioner General (Crime Prevention & Suppression) of the Thai National Police, Mr Prachuab Wongsuk, to reflect the situation of the request-for-assistance cases. Both sides shared experience and exchanged views in-depth on further strengthening co-operation and jointly combating cross-border crimes such as telecommunications and online fraud as well as human trafficking.

     In the afternoon, Mr Cheuk had a meeting with Thailand's Vice Minister For Tourism and Sports, Mr Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, and the Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, Mr Saksira Pheuak-um, to learn about the latest measures of the authorities to protect tourists, including the 24-hour support service for tourists via official mobile application and telephone centre.

     Mr Cheuk and members of the dedicated task force concluded their visit to Thailand and will return to Hong Kong tonight. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand and the Thai authorities for attaching great importance to the requests for assistance from Hong Kong people, and said they will continue to maintain close liaison with the Embassy and the Thai authorities in the future to exchange intelligence on the latest situation of the cases, and to provide appropriate advice and all practicable assistance to the assistance seekers and their families.