Hong Kong travel agency reassures tourists as officials probe illegal work cases in Thailand

Senior Thai officials have promised to do everything in their power to secure the safe return of people from Hong Kong who have been lured to Southeast Asia for illegal work, according to Hong Kong’s security chief Chris Tang on Monday.

The Thai justice minister has attached great importance to Hong Kong’s concerns and has responded positively. “They said they would do their utmost to help,” Tang added.

Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Online quoted Tang as emphasising that none of the individuals involved were ‘abducted’.

Tang’s comments come as a task force, led by Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk, left for Thailand. They met with Thai officials and representatives of the Chinese embassy in Bangkok and held discussions with officials from the Thai Justice Ministry and the anti-human trafficking committee, chaired by the prime minister.

Hong Kong authorities have, to date, received 28 requests for assistance from their citizens, alleging they were being detained in Southeast Asian countries.

Sixteen have already returned to Hong Kong, while the remaining 12 reported restrictions on their movements, but confirmed that they are safe and are in contact with the task force.

Chinese actress Wang Xing was deceived by a Chinese-run human trafficking gang with a false offer of a casting session for a role in a TV series produced by a well-known Thai studio.

He was eventually smuggled into Myawaddy township in Myanmar via Thailand. However, he was rescued by Thai police and the Border Guard Force of Myanmar, and he has since returned safely to China.

His case has led to reports that some people from Hong Kong have canceled their trips to Thailand due to safety concerns.

Meanwhile, a leading travel agency in Hong Kong stated on Monday that it has no plans to adjust the itineraries of its package tours to Thailand, despite the ongoing government investigation into whether any residents were being unlawfully detained there.

In an interview with RTHK, EGL Tours executive director Steve Huen insisted that Thailand remains safe for recreational travellers and dismissed fears of street abductions.

Huen admitted, however, that inquiries about travel to the region have declined. Some customers who chose to proceed with their trips signed up for package tours, believing it was safer to travel in a group, he added.

Huen also offered general tips for travellers abroad, advising that, when heading out at night for a drink, meal or a walk, be careful, stay alert and do not allow anyone to exploit your kindness or trick you into any kind of financial loss.