Sihasak expressed sorrow over the death of Hlun Solo, a famous travel YouTuber. He revealed that Thai embassy officials in Turkey have already traveled to Georgia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the family, while the cause is still under investigation.
On 30 July 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Sihasak Puangkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke about the update on the death of Mr. Bowornthad Pengsuk, known as “Hlun Solo,” a well-known travel YouTuber. He extended his condolences to the family, describing it as an unforeseen event. Hlun had traveled to many countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, which is responsible for Georgia, have sent officials to Tbilisi, Georgia, to investigate the cause of death. The official cause will be determined by Georgian authorities, and reports are awaited from Thai embassy officials.
Regarding the repatriation of Hlun's body to Thailand, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that once the investigation is complete, procedures will be followed to bring the body back, depending on the wishes of the family, whose opinions will be respected.
When asked about the delay since Hlun had been out of contact for more than two weeks, Mr. Sihasak said that as soon as it was known he had been missing for several days and out of contact, Georgian authorities and the embassy acted promptly and found the body in the hotel as reported.
Asked why the death was only recently discovered despite Hlun having died several days earlier, Mr. Sihasak explained that Hlun had been traveling in Georgia and filming content continuously. When contact was lost, coordination efforts began.
When questioned whether Thailand would participate in the investigation of the cause of death or leave it solely to Georgia, Mr. Sihasak said that Thai officials are present, but the Georgian authorities must complete their investigation first. They will inform Thailand of the findings. Currently, no conclusions can be made, and claims about assault or self-harm must await the official investigation results.
Regarding local Georgian media reports suggesting suicide, Mr. Sihasak said he does not wish to make any conclusions and urged waiting for the official investigation, which is underway. Once results are known, the family will be informed first.
Asked whether there should be travel warnings or increased safety measures given recent foreign tourist deaths in Georgia, Mr. Sihasak said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly issues advisories about unsafe areas or conflicts. Travelers to potentially risky areas are encouraged to request the latest information from the Ministry and coordinate with relevant embassies if needed.
On the absence of a Thai embassy in Georgia, Mr. Sihasak emphasized that Thailand cannot have embassies in every country. The embassy in Turkey covers Georgia, and once the incident was known, officials promptly traveled there.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jaitai Upakarnitikeset, Director-General of the Information Department and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, added that officials from the Thai Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, have traveled to Georgia and met local authorities. It was confirmed that Mr. Bowornthad, or Hlun Solo, has died, with the cause still under investigation. The embassy has informed the family and will keep them updated on developments.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses deepest condolences to Mr. Bowornthad’s family and will coordinate with the embassy and Georgian authorities regarding all related matters, including repatriating the body to Thailand for religious ceremonies.