Family to scatter Hlun Solo’s ashes in Mekong for ‘new journey

The family of Thai travel vlogger Bowornthat Pengsuk, better known as ‘Hlun Solo’, plans to scatter part of his ashes in the Mekong River so that the young traveller can “explore a new world” as he embarks on his final journey.

The family held a traditional ceremony to collect Bowornthat’s ashes at Rangsi Chatchawan Temple in Somdet district of Kalasin province on Wednesday, following his cremation the previous day.

Relatives and members of the public gathered to pay their final respects to the well-known traveller, who died in Georgia last month. The cause of his death remains under investigation.

More than 1,000 mourners, including followers of his travel vlog, attended his funeral.

Some of the ashes will be taken to the family home for merit-making, while another portion will be scattered in the Mekong River.

The Mekong, one of Southeast Asia’s major rivers, flows through several countries. The family hopes that scattering his ashes in the river will allow him to continue his love of travel, marking the final journey of a young man known for his passion for exploring different places.

The family also plans to donate fans, rice and other items brought by mourners to various organisations and other places in Bowornthat’s name.

On August 9, Chulalongkorn University hosted a Buddhist funeral chanting ceremony for Bowornthat, a former political science student at the university and a recipient of the Chulalongkorn Rural Scholarship.

Chulalongkorn University president Wilert Puriwat said Bowornthat’s sudden death had brought grief to his family, the university and those who knew him, but his life and determination had set an example for other young people.

During the ceremony, Wilert presented Bowornthat’s Bachelor of Political Science degree certificate to his grandmother, Buasong Pengsuk, on his behalf.

Bowornthat had planned to personally present the certificate to his grandmother, who raised him, but his sudden death prevented him from fulfilling that wish.

Wilert said Bowornthat’s story demonstrated that the Chulalongkorn Rural Scholarship was more than financial assistance. It had given him an opportunity to improve his life and develop himself into a role model for others.