Thai Vlogger's Body Held in Georgia Amid Investigation Delay

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still awaiting clearance from police investigators in Georgia to repatriate the body of Thai YouTuber Hlun Solo, whose real name is Bowornthat Pengsuk. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Monday that Georgian authorities had yet to complete forensic examination processes to determine the cause of death. The minister, who also serves as deputy prime minister, stated that Hlun Solo's relatives could request a new autopsy in Thailand once the body is returned, should they be unsatisfied with the findings of the Georgian investigation. Thai officials were dispatched to Georgia shortly after being informed of the vlogger's death on July 29. Thailand plans to question Georgia regarding the approximately 10-day delay in notifying Thai authorities of the death. Foreign affairs spokeswoman Jaithai Upakarnitikaset said Georgian investigators had collected the necessary forensic evidence to ascertain the cause of death, and the investigation itself would take time. However, samples have already been taken from the body, allowing for its return to Thailand without waiting for the final findings. Hlun Solo, a popular 27-year-old travel vlogger with 2.5 million Facebook followers and 950,000 YouTube subscribers, was found dead in a hotel room in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. His family's last contact with him was on July 13, and his death was confirmed by Georgian police on July 29. He had traveled to Georgia in early July to shoot video and gather material for his solo budget travel features. The vlogger's family has already authorized the Thai embassy in Ankara, Turkey, to act on their behalf for the repatriation of the body. The embassy and the ministry will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation. The minister added that the family is being regularly updated on the condition of the body and the progress of the forensic examination.