Bangkok: The Thai Foreign Ministry is seeking clarification from the Georgian authorities regarding the delay in informing Thai officials about the death of Hlun Solo, also known as Mr. Bowornthat Pengsuk. This development comes as the ministry is awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Embassy in Ankara received notification from Georgia about Hlun Solo's passing on July 29. The ministry has emphasized the need for Georgian authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. In the meantime, the Thai Foreign Ministry has coordinated with airlines and received authorization from the deceased's family to repatriate the body to Thailand. This process awaits the conclusion of the Georgian investigation and the issuance of official documents.
Mr. Mangkon Pratumkaew, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, outlined the ministry's actions following the death of Mr. Bowornthat Pengsuk. He extended condolences to the family and expressed gratitude to the network of Thai citizens assisting the Royal Thai Embassy in Ankara in tracking information about Mr. Bowornthat's disappearance.
The deceased's relatives have completed the necessary power of attorney documentation, which is being sent to the Department of Consular Affairs. Expected to arrive by August 3rd, this document will enable the Thai Embassy in Ankara to coordinate the repatriation of the deceased's remains and belongings. The investigation into the cause of death continues, with embassy officials keeping the family informed and closely monitoring developments.
Addressing the delay in reporting the death, Mr. Mangkon clarified that hotel staff discovered Mr. Bowornthat's body on July 14th, after he failed to check out. The police were notified, adhering to Georgian protocol, which requires an investigation before reporting to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and subsequently informing the Embassy in Ankara.
The Embassy explained that upon learning of Mr. Bowornthat's disappearance, it promptly contacted the Thai community network and the Honorary Consul in Georgia. Once confirmed that the body was under Georgian custody, the Embassy initiated the necessary procedures for repatriation.
Contrary to earlier reports, Ms. Jaithai Upakarnnitikaset, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the Thai Embassy was informed by Georgian authorities on July 29th, not July 14th. She asserted that upon receiving news of Mr. Bowornthat's disappearance, the Embassy acted swiftly, deploying officials to Georgia to manage the situation.
Despite relatives notifying authorities on July 28th, the Ministry is addressing public concerns over the delay and has requested clarification from the Georgian authorities. Thai officials in Tbilisi have engaged with local police and high-ranking officials from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the process.
Mr. Mangkon detailed the forensic procedures, noting that a local death certificate is necessary before the embassy can issue its documentation for repatriation. Determining the cause of death relies on the Georgian authorities, whose investigation is ongoing and may take some time.