Thailand set to roll out measures on visitor safety, Hong Kong official says
Security official Michael Cheuk expresses hope 12 Hong Kong residents stuck in Southeast Asia can be brought home before Lunar New Year
Thai authorities are expected to roll out measures to ensure visitors’ safety as part of efforts to combat human trafficking in Southeast Asia, a Hong Kong security official has revealed, as he expressed hopes they can secure the release of 12 residents lured into working at scam farms in the region by Lunar New Year.
Returning to the city after a two-day trip to Bangkok, Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip said on Tuesday night that the government would try to establish contact with authorities in Myanmar, where 11 Hongkongers had been lured to after travelling to Thailand, and Cambodia, where one person was stuck.
Cheuk, who led a task force to the Thai capital, said progress had been made following meetings with various high-ranking officials. He said Thai authorities had shared intelligence with the group, including how to rescue the victims.
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Hong Kong task force to help rescue residents forced into working at Southeast Asia scam centres
“Thai authorities have shown significant concern this time regarding the enticement and detention of Hong Kong residents in other locations via Thailand. They have also expressed their regret to us,” he said.
He admitted there would be difficulties in rescue operations.
“The locations where they [the stranded Hongkongers] are now in Myanmar are relatively disorderly with regional armed forces present, and are not safe. We will continue to try to meet Myanmese and Cambodian authorities,” Cheuk said.
