In brief
The Australian government has placed a travel advisory urging tourists to avoid certain alcoholic beverages in Laos after reports of methanol poisoning resulted in several deaths, including two Australians.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a stark warning to travelers heading to Laos, advising against the consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to "serious safety concerns." This cautionary note comes following a cluster of fatalities linked to suspected methanol poisoning. Recent reports indicate that six individuals tragically passed away in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng after consuming locally produced vodka. Amid these alarming incidents, Laotian authorities have banned the sale and consumption of the implicated products. In their advisory, Australian officials warned that tourists must be particularly vigilant regarding spirit-based beverages, including cocktails, during their travels. Among the deceased were two Australian youths, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, who had been guests at the Nana Backpackers hostel. In the aftermath of the deaths, eight staff members from the hostel have been detained, although no formal charges have been laid yet. The establishment has denied allegations of serving dangerous alcohol.Families of the victims are calling on the Laotian government to continue investigating the case thoroughly. Mark Jones, father of one of the victims, expressed his relief over the ongoing efforts, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to prevent future tragedies.The other victims included Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from the UK, and three others from Denmark and the US. While the exact number of people still suffering from the suspected poisoning remains unclear, it has been reported that tourists may have ingested alcohol contaminated with methanol. This toxic substance, often found in illicitly produced spirits, poses serious risks, with medical professionals noting that even a small amount can be lethal.In light of these dangerous incidents, the UK's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has also updated its travel recommendations, alerting citizens to the risks of methanol poisoning in Laos.
