The Government's support team has recovered some Hong Kong residents' identity documents in a major hotel resort in Khao Lak, Thailand. The support team's co-ordinator Linda So says Police will use the latest information to try to locate the residents concerned.

The support team members were sent to parts of Phuket yesterday to assist Hong Kong residents affected by the tsunami.

The team maintains its presence in six major hospitals on Phuket island and visited hospital and rescue centres in Krabi where those injured in the Phi Phi Islands, a popular tourist spot, are believed to have been sent.

The team also visited a major resort in Khao Lak which was hard hit by the tsunami.

Members of the Police Force, the Immigration Department and medical experts left for places where the injured were treated in Krabi.

More than 40 Police officers visited a major hotel resort in Khao Lak and were able to recover some Hong Kong residents' identity documents there. Families of the concerned residents will be informed of the latest progress.

HK Gov't to help families provide DNA samples

Thai authorities have announced they will take DNA samples from the dead and to set up a DNA database. Blood relatives may give DNA samples for matching.

In the light of this plan, the Hong Kong Government will take measures to help Hong Kong families provide their DNA samples.

"We appeal to Hong Kong residents not to travel to Thailand solely for the purpose of giving their DNA samples to the Thai authorities. The Hong Kong Government will work out appropriate measures. The details will be announced in due course," Ms So said.