Famous Thai YouTuber 'Hlun Solo', known for solo travel and budget backpacking, was reported missing for over two weeks in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Local police discovered his body in a hotel room on July 29th; he was only 27 years old.
According to various foreign media reports, Hlun Solo, whose real name is Bawontat Pengsuk, traveled to Georgia on July 9 to film new travel videos and gather material for his solo travel series.
However, his last contact with family and business partners was on July 13. After that, he went missing with no answer to calls or any other forms of communication.
Because of the inability to reach him, his younger brother posted a missing person notice on social media. On July 28, his family sought help from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and made a public plea for assistance in locating him. Many online creators and members of the public also helped share the news.
On July 29, Georgian police confirmed that Hlun Solo was found dead in a hotel in Tbilisi and, in accordance with local law, have launched an investigation. Authorities have not yet announced the exact cause of death or whether the case involved foul play, accident, or other factors.
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated that they were collaborating with local authorities, the Thai Honorary Consul, and Thai volunteer networks in Georgia to assist the family in understanding the situation and handling subsequent matters.
Hlun Solo grew up in a poor family in Kalasin Province, Thailand. After his father passed away, he was raised by his grandmother. He finished high school and worked in a factory, then earned a scholarship to Chulalongkorn University, where he obtained a degree in political science. After graduation, he chose a career in travel content creation, sharing his experiences with solo backpacking, budget travel, and the pursuit of dreams. His sincere and optimistic image endeared him to viewers.
As a well-known content creator, his Facebook had about 2.97 million followers, and his YouTube channel accumulated nearly one million subscribers.
News of his death deeply saddened his family, while a large number of fans expressed shock and grief.