‘Like a horror movie’: Hongkonger rescued after forced labour ordeal in Myanmar

he man is reunited with his family.

Photo: Security Bureau A Hongkonger has been rescued from Myanmar and transferred to Thailand after being held captive and forced to do illegal work, in an ordeal he described as a “horror movie”.

The Security Bureau on Saturday said its dedicated task force had earlier received a request for help from the resident who was trapped in Myanmar.

It then liaised with the Chinese embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, the city’s economic and trade office in Bangkok and Thai authorities to launch a joint operation.

The bureau also dispatched officers to Thailand on Friday, the same day when the man was rescued and transferred to the country. “The Hong Kong resident said he felt like he was in a horror movie over the past few days and thanked the task force members for travelling to Thailand to save him from detention,” the bureau said in a statement without providing further details.

Arrangements were made for the man to meet his family in Thailand after he was assessed to be in good mental and physical condition.

His family said they had “learned a precious lesson and commended the speedy and effective rescue mission”.

The task force would continue to investigate the case, the bureau said.

The cross-regional task force secured the man’s release.

Photo: Security Bureau Since 2024, Hong Kong authorities have received 32 requests for help related to residents allegedly detained in Southeast Asian countries and unable to depart.

Of these, 28 have returned to Hong Kong, with two indicating no need for further help.

The task force said it would “actively follow up” on the remaining case and provide “appropriate advice and practicable help” to affected families.

Hong Kong set up the task force in 2022 and had been working with relevant authorities to combat human trafficking.

In January last year, Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip led a six-member task force comprising officials from the Security Bureau, police and Immigration Department to meet Thai authorities in Bangkok involving Hongkongers ensnared by forced-labour scams, which often saw victims trafficked to neighbouring Myanmar.

原文链接: 南华早报