​The Security Bureau (SB) today (March 28) said that after the SB dedicated task force received a request for assistance from a Hong Kong resident detained for illegal work in Myanmar earlier, the SB immediately liaised with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok (Bangkok ETO), as well as the relevant Thai authorities, and launched a joint rescue operation promptly. The SB’s Government Security Officer, Mr Joe Chan, also immediately led the dedicated task force comprising members from the SB, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department to arrive in Thailand yesterday (March 27) to follow up on the incident.

     The Hong Kong resident was rescued and transferred to Thailand yesterday. The dedicated task force arranged him to meet with his family in Thailand once he was in good mental and physical condition. The Hong Kong resident said he felt like experiencing a horror movie in the past few days and thanked the task force members for visiting Thailand to save him from detention. Pleased with the family reunion, the family members said they had learnt a precious lesson and commended the speedy and effective rescue mission. The dedicated task force members will make arrangements for his return to Hong Kong as soon as possible, and will continue to follow up to investigate his case after his return.

     While in Thailand, the dedicated task force met with the Commander of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, Central Investigation Bureau of Royal Thai Police, Police Major General Vitthaya Sripasertpap, to discuss the support arrangement for the Hong Kong resident after his rescue. The dedicated task force also met with personnel from the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand to thank for their continued efforts on the case, as well as their appropriate and practicable assistance for the individual and his family. In addition, the dedicated task force had a meeting with officials of the Bangkok ETO to learn about the latest local situation. 

     The SB expressed gratitude to various parties including the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Bangkok ETO, as well as the relevant Thai authorities, for their support and assistance, resulting in a prompt and smooth operation. 

     Since 2024 to date, the law enforcement agencies have received a total of 32 request-for-assistance cases in relation to Hong Kong residents alleged to have been detained in Southeast Asian countries and not being able to leave. Apart from the above-mentioned case, 28 of them have already returned to Hong Kong and two needed no further assistance and follow-up. The dedicated task force will continue to actively follow up on the remaining request-for-assistance case and provide appropriate advice and practicable assistance to the assistance seeker and the family.

     The Civil Aid Service (CAS) Cadet Corps held the 153rd New Cadets Passing-out Parade at the CAS Headquarters today (March 28). Nearly 200 new cadets participated in the parade. The parade was reviewed by the Deputy Director of Fire Services (Public Safety and Corporate Strategy), Mr Wong Ka-wing.

     Speaking at the parade, Mr Wong congratulated all the new cadets on completing their training. He said that the CAS has always encouraged its members to take part in wholesome activities and training programmes. These programmes not only equip cadets with practical skills and leadership abilities, but also build their confidence and sense of responsibility, while fostering teamwork and a commitment to serving the community. He emphasised that these skills and abilities will serve as a solid foundation for cadets in facing future challenges in their studies, careers or daily life, helping them move steadily forward on their future path.

     Mr Wong said the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the CAS have been working closely for many years. On November 4 last year, an elderly person became lost in Pak Fa Lam, Fei Ngo Shan. Upon receiving the report, the FSD immediately dispatched the Mountain Search and Rescue Support Team, utilising drones, search and rescue dogs, and rescue personnel for visual analysis to help narrow down the search area. The CAS also sent a search and rescue team to support the operation. With these concerted efforts, the missing person was successfully rescued within a short period of time.

     Mr Wong said he also hoped that the new cadets would apply what they have learned in the form of practical services in areas such as community safety promotion, first aid and disaster prevention education, and hill fire safety and environmental conservation, to continue to serve the community and protect citizens.

      The CAS Cadet Corps has been committed to promoting diverse activities, including coastal clean-ups, tree planting, and various Mainland and overseas exchange programmes. These initiatives aim to broaden cadets’ horizons and nurture them to become the next generation of patriots with a global perspective. Through these trainings and experiences, the Cadet Corps cultivates cadets to become confident, self-disciplined, and effective communicators in society.

     Recruitment of CAS cadets is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/org/cadet_corps.html).