Grieving family hold memorial for Thai YouTuber, 27, found dead in Georgia
A grieving family held a memorial for a Thai YouTuber who has been found dead following his disappearance in Georgia.
Travel vlogger Bowornthat Pengsuk, better known by his online name Hlun Solo, 27, had been filming content in the former Soviet nation when he lost contact with his family on July 13.
Worried fans and relatives had been appealing for help to find him before his body was discovered in a hotel in the capital Tbilisi.
Bowornthat's brother said the family were notified of Bowornthat's passing on Wednesday evening. Police are now investigating the death in the notorious former Soviet bloc country.
He said: 'Our family has received confirmation that he has been found. Sadly, he has passed away.
'We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who shared our posts, followed the case, coordinated search efforts, offered encouragement, and helped us in every possible way. Your kindness and support have meant more to us than words can express, and our family will never forget it.'
The Royal Thai Embassy in Ankara said it was continuing to work closely with local authorities and Bowornthat's family for the investigation.
The embassy said: ‘Officials from the Royal Thai Embassy have received confirmation from the local police that Bowornthat's personal belongings remain intact.
‘The Embassy will continue to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the case, leaving no relevant issues unaddressed.
‘In the meantime, all parties are kindly requested to respect the family's privacy and their decisions regarding the next steps.
‘The Embassy will remain in close coordination with the family on this matter.'
Police have not yet disclosed further details. However, Georgian media reported that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has opened a probe under Article 115 of the Criminal Code, covering 'incitement to suicide'.
Bowornthat's grandmother, Som Pengsuk, 82, who had been raising the orphaned boy since he was young, rejected claims he had taken his own life, as the family held a memorial for the popular travel vlogger.
Footage shows local officials and relatives visiting Bowornthat's home in Kalasin province to offer prayers.
His sister, Bawonsak Pengsuk, 28, said they knew something was wrong because he always warned them in advance if he expected to lose internet access.
Hlun Solo was a well-known Thai YouTuber and travel influencer who specialised in solo backpacking adventures.
He named his page, which currently has more than 2.5 million followers, after the nickname his late mother gave him, ‘Hlun'.
He was widely recognised for travelling alone to more than 50 countries, including 'high-risk' or hard-to-reach destinations like Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Burundi.
Hlun grew up in poverty, relying on part-time jobs and scholarships until he graduated from the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University.
Using his savings, he spent a year travelling as a backpacker before turning it into a full-time career.
Three tourists have died in Georgia over the past months, sparking safety concerns in the country.
In late May 2026, Indian medical student Dhvanit Rajdeep disappeared for more than two weeks before his body was recovered from the Mtkvari River in central Tbilisi.
In late July 2026, Russian national Ivan Shutenko lost contact with his family for about two weeks before he was found dead.
However, there is currently no evidence linking the deaths.
