Calum Macdonald recounts his harrowing experience after consuming toxic methanol in Vang Vieng, Laos, leading to his blindness. He joined families of other victims advocating for improved awareness regarding the dangers of methanol in alcohol.
Survivor of Methanol Poisoning Describes Life-Altering Experience in Laos
Survivor of Methanol Poisoning Describes Life-Altering Experience in Laos
Calum Macdonald, a young traveler, shares how a night of free drinks in Laos resulted in profound consequences, including blindness and the tragic loss of friends due to methanol poisoning.
When Calum Macdonald approached the Vietnamese border, he was blinded by a "kaleidoscopic light," rendering him unable to read the administrative forms before him. Calum had just disembarked from an overnight bus with friends after a night out in the party haven of Vang Vieng, Laos. They had been offered free whisky and vodka shots at their hostel, which he unwisely combined with soft drinks.
It was at the border that Calum began to realize the gravity of his condition, mistaking his symptoms for food poisoning due to light sensitivity. However, once they checked into their hotel in Vietnam, it became evident that something was seriously amiss. "Why are we sitting in the dark? Someone should turn a light on," he had remarked to his friends, only to discover that the lights were indeed on.
At just 23 years old, Calum is now navigating life without sight. He stands among many affected by a deadly methanol poisoning episode that occurred last November in Vang Vieng, which tragically claimed the lives of six individuals, including two Danish girls he had met during his time there.
Calum has since teamed up with the bereaved families of other victims, advocating for increased awareness from the Foreign Office regarding the dangers travelers face in regions where methanol poisoning is prevalent. One of those victims was Simone White, who had only sent her mother a text about enjoying the best holiday of her life before falling into a coma after drinking free shots at the same hostel Calum visited. Despite her mother’s efforts to save her, Simone died from the poisoning.
Methanol is a dangerous alcohol commonly found in products like cleaning fluids and antifreeze. It can contaminate alcoholic beverages, particularly in Southeast Asia, where cases of poisoning are rampant due to improperly manufactured spirits, according to Doctors Without Borders. Symptoms can mimic those of a hangover, but can escalate to severe conditions, including blindness or coma.
Another victim, Kirsty McKie, died in 2022 after consuming contaminated alcohol while living in Bali. Her friend Sonia survived the ordeal but continues to grapple with survivor’s guilt. Their stories are chilling reminders of the risks associated with cheap alcohol in tourist areas.
Calum has taken to heart the responsibility to warn others about such dangers, advising tourists to avoid free drinks and opt for local beers instead. As he adjusts to his new reality, he reflects on how the deaths of the two Danish girls affected his understanding of his condition—recognizing the luck in his survival.
The Foreign Office acknowledges the significant issue of methanol poisoning and counterfeit alcohol in certain regions and states it is committed to working with local authorities and travel industry partners to address this ongoing concern. In the meantime, Calum and the families of victims continue their fight for awareness in memories of their loved ones.
