Chris Tang departs for Thailand to coordinate rescue of six Hong Kong residents detained in Southeast Asia

Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security, traveled to Thailand to coordinate the rescue of six Hong Kong residents detained in Myanmar after being lured into illegal work. Tang returned to Hong Kong on Friday to report on the operation.

Today, Tang announced that five of the residents, assisted by a Security Bureau task force, are expected back in Hong Kong tonight. The sixth individual is due to arrive tomorrow, March 8.

The task force, including members from the Security Bureau, Hong Kong Police Force, and Immigration Department, had previously gone to Thailand to aid in the rescue. They worked alongside Thai authorities and Chinese diplomatic personnel from the embassy in Thailand and the consulate in Chiang Mai.

The detainees, three men and three women aged between 29 and 44, were held in Myanmar for five to seven months. They were rescued and taken to Mae Sot, Thailand, by the Myanmar military. From there, they were escorted to Bangkok.

Tang expressed gratitude to all involved in the operation, including the Ministry of Public Security of China, Thai and Myanmar border personnel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thai Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence, the Police, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok.

Tang also held a video meeting with the rescued individuals, who were relieved and thankful for the efforts that led to their safety. They are eager to reunite with their families in Hong Kong.

The task force will continue to work on three remaining cases of Hong Kong residents needing assistance to return home.