Thai detentions followed up
Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk today led members of a dedicated task force to Thailand to meet different parties and further follow up on cases involving Hong Kong residents suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work.
The dedicated task force members are from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department (ImmD).
In the morning, Mr Cheuk and the dedicated task force were received by Minister of Justice (MoJ) of Thailand Tawee Sodsong, who is a member of the Anti Trafficking-in-Persons Committee chaired by the Thai Prime Minister, and the heads of the enforcement departments under the MoJ, including the department dedicated to combating human trafficking activities.
During the meeting, Mr Cheuk presented the situation regarding relevant request-for-assistance cases and received positive feedback. Both sides also exchanged intelligence.
Mr Sodsong said the Thai authorities attached great importance to the situation and will spare no effort in assisting with the safe return of the Hong Kong assistance seekers as soon as possible.
In the afternoon, members of the dedicated task force called on Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand Wu Zhiwu. Mr Cheuk thanked the Minister and staff of the Embassy for their deep concern over the cases by continuing to follow up and provide appropriate and practicable assistance as well as their strong support to the work of the ImmD all along.
Mr Cheuk and the dedicated task force also had a meeting with officers of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Bangkok in the evening.