Amid increasing caution from international travelers, a New Zealander returns home after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, where several fatal cases linked to contaminated drinks have emerged, prompting authorities to investigate and tourists to modify their drinking habits.
Concerns Rise As New Zealander Returns After Suspected Poisoning in Laos
Concerns Rise As New Zealander Returns After Suspected Poisoning in Laos
A spate of methanol poisonings linked to tainted alcohol raises alarm for travelers in Laos.
A New Zealander has safely returned home after experiencing suspected methanol poisoning while in Laos, according to recent reports from authorities. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as several tourists have fallen ill or sadly died in the region, particularly in the well-known backpacker hotspot of Vang Vieng. The alarming issue stems from the consumption of potentially tainted alcoholic beverages.
Laotian authorities are actively pursuing an investigation into the deaths, which have drawn significant attention to the popular riverside town, once known primarily for its vibrant party scene. Of the six reported fatalities, two were Danish nationals, two were Australians, one was an American, and one a British national. The fatalities, which include a majority of female travellers, have led to increased caution among tourists, particularly women, prompting them to reconsider partaking in popular offerings such as free shots and alcohol buckets.
Recent tragic cases, including the deaths of 19-year-olds Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles from Australia, who passed away shortly after hospitalization in Thailand, have put a spotlight on the threat of methanol poisoning—an odorless, colorless substance often found in illicit alcohol. Other victims, including two Danish females aged 19 and 20, and a 57-year-old American man, were also reported dead in Vang Vieng recently.
The Nana Backpackers hostel, where many of the victims stayed, has since closed down, with its owners denying allegations of serving spoiled alcohol. Governments from New Zealand, Australia, and the UK have issued warnings advising their citizens to refrain from consuming spirits in Laos.
In response to these events, the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok has extended its support to the affected individual, urging travelers to be aware of the signs of methanol poisoning and to seek immediate medical care if such poisoning is suspected. Methanol poisoning highlights a significant public health issue, particularly in regions with weaker food regulations, predominantly affecting vulnerable communities across Asia.
