FM Denies Embassy Delay in Helping YouTuber 'Hlun Solo' in Georgia
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow clarifies that the Thai embassy acted immediately upon notification, questioning why Georgian authorities delayed reporting the death for two weeks.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The Thai Foreign Minister denies any delay by the embassy in handling Hlun Solo's case.
- Georgian authorities notified the embassy on July 28-29, despite the death occurring on July 14.
- Thai officials immediately coordinated with the hotel and investigated the cause of death upon notice.
Following intense online criticism regarding whether the Thai embassy acted too slowly in assisting Mr. Baworntat Pengsuk, widely known as the famous YouTuber "Hlun Solo" who passed away in Georgia, Thailand's top diplomat has stepped forward to clarify the timeline. Speaking at Government House on July 31, 2026, at 3:30 PM, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow addressed the public controversy directly.
Mr. Sihasak stated firmly that the Thai embassy was only informed of Mr. Baworntat's passing when official notification arrived from Georgian authorities on either July 28 or 29. In reality, the YouTuber had already passed away on July 14, creating a two-week gap where Thai officials remained completely unaware of the tragic event due to the lack of communication from the host country.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
As soon as the embassy received the alert, staff members rushed to the scene without hesitation. They handled multiple tasks simultaneously, including communicating with the local hotel and inquiring about the circumstances surrounding the death. Addressing rumors circulating on social media suggesting that the embassy had known about the incident since July 14 but failed to act, the Foreign Minister dismissed the claims as completely false, while also questioning Georgian authorities on why their notification was severely delayed.
consular assistance for foreign nationals often relies heavily on prompt official reporting from local law enforcement and government agencies. When host countries experience significant reporting delays, it directly hampers the ability of foreign embassies to intervene, secure belongings, or initiate repatriation processes swiftly.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is eager to expedite all necessary procedures so that the deceased's body can be returned to Thailand for funeral arrangements. However, officials noted that the timeline is still subject to the completion of local forensic examinations.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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