The deaths of a Taiwanese woman and two Hong Kong people have added to the Chinese toll in the disaster, bringing the total to 12, according to the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.

They include three from the mainland, three from Taiwan, and six from Hong Kong.

Another two Hong Kong residents - a French infant and 42-year-old Markus Knoesel, a German biology teacher at the Hong Kong-based German Swiss International School - were confirmed dead yesterday.

Embassy officials from Thailand also said yesterday 15 mainlanders visiting Thailand remained missing. The number of Hong Kong travellers officially classified as missing has increased by 14, bringing the total number of Chinese missing in the affected countries to 74 amid the fears that the number could still climb.

Deputy Secretary for Security Michael Wong said Monday the number of reported missing cases had risen but it was not clear by how many, as information was incomplete and immigration departments and police officers were still gathering more personal details about people reported missing by their families.

Wong said police had started collecting DNA samples from relatives so the Thai Government can establish a DNA database. The DNA samples will be sent to Thailand to help in the identification process.

"We have started collecting DNA samples from 10 families and more will come," he said.
 
While the nation prepares more professionals and aid materials for rescue and relief, people from all walks of life across the country have continued to open their wallets and their hearts to the victims.

Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan told his counterparts from the affected countries via phone that his ministry will offer donations for relief and rebuilding.

Swiss-Chinese couple

For 37-year-old Swissman Bebo Geally and his 36-year-old Chinese wife Zhou Jing, 10 days in Tahonrk, Thailand, was a chance to relive their meeting there three years ago.

They left Chengdu for Bangkok on December 17, planning to fly to Switzerland 10 days later after celebrating Christmas in the place they fell in love.

Disaster struck when the tsunami swept China International Travel tour guide Zhou Jing and two friends off the beach they were strolling along on December 26.

The two had clung to a small tree but only Geally managed to hold on.

"I will never give up my efforts to look for Zhou Jing," he said.

(China Daily January 4, 2005)