The Thai authorities have confirmed the death of two more unlocated Hong Kong residents in the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami through the victim identification process, said a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government spokesman Friday.

This brings to 26 the total number of Hong Kong residents who have died in the disaster.

Meanwhile, there are 14 Hong Kong residents who have still not been located. All were reported to be in Thailand, the spokesman added.

He said the HKSAR government will continue to follow up outstanding cases and provide practical assistance to Hong Kong residents and their families where necessary.

The Hong Kong Police have contacted relatives of missing Hong Kong residents to collect DNA samples for analysis on a voluntary basis.

Analyzed DNA information as well as finger print records were sent to the Thai authorities through the appropriate channel for identification purpose.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2005)