Six foreign travelers – a Briton, two Australians, two Danes and an American – lost their lives in a single night in Vang Vieng, Laos, after drinking methanol‑tainted alcohol. The deaths were recorded in November 2024 and are linked to illicitly produced vodka.
Laos’ Ministry of Public Security said it could not determine a cause or blame because no autopsies were conducted in 2024. Officials have not been able to collect forensic evidence to identify a suspect.
The distillery owner has been charged for selling harmful food products and for running an illegal business, but those charges carry only up to a year in jail and a fine. No charges relate to the deaths.
Australia’s foreign ministry summoned the Laotian ambassador in Canberra, expressing deep frustration and disappointment at the lack of serious legal action. Britain issued a travel warning about methanol risk.
Methanol is a colourless liquid that tastes like alcohol and can be lethal even in small amounts. It is absorbed quickly, and the body converts it to formaldehyde and formic acid, which can damage organs and cause blindness or death.
Several victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where guests did not leave after falling ill on 13 November. Earlier this year, 10 hostel affiliates faced charges of destroying evidence.
