They wouldn't need to be asleep for this to happen, just unfamiliar with the area. International ATC coordination in that part of the world leaves a lot to be desired, and if 121.5 is turned down due to excessive chatter, ATC might not be there to hand you off to the next frequency at the FIR. Let's not jump to conclusions.
If you're not aware of the airspace you're in, you're doing it wrong.