Australia has alerted travelers to avoid Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky in Laos after reports of fatalities linked to methanol. The warning follows the deaths of six people, including two Australians, in Vang Vieng, prompting concerns over counterfeit alcohol consumption and safety measures.
Australia Issues Warning on Drinking Liquors in Laos Amid Methanol Poisoning Concerns
Australia Issues Warning on Drinking Liquors in Laos Amid Methanol Poisoning Concerns
Following recent tragic incidents, the Australian government advises against consuming specific liquors in Laos due to potential methanol poisoning risks.
Australia's foreign affairs department has recently issued a stern warning to travelers planning to visit Laos, specifically advising against the consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky. This advisory comes in the wake of serious health concerns linked to a spate of deaths thought to be caused by methanol poisoning.
Reports indicate that six individuals died earlier this month in Vang Vieng after consuming shots of locally produced vodka. This popular backpackers' destination has now come under scrutiny, particularly since the victims included two Australians, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both just 19 years old. Investigations are underway, and eight staff members at the Nana Backpackers hostel, where the group was staying, have been detained in connection with the matter.
Despite the closure of the hostel, the owners earlier denied serving any illicit alcohol. In the wake of these events, families of the deceased Australians have called on the Laotian government to thoroughly pursue the case, with victims’ families voicing concerns regarding the safety of travelers in the region.
Laotian authorities have now prohibited the sale and consumption of the accused liquors, and Australia's travel advisory cautions that visitors should remain vigilant about the risks posed by spirit-based beverages, particularly cocktails. The other victims include nationals from the UK, the U.S., and Denmark, highlighting the international implications of this safety issue.
Medical experts note that methanol, an industrial chemical often found in bootleg alcohol, is particularly hazardous. Even a small quantity, around 25ml, can lead to fatality. Other nations, including the UK, have updated their travel advice to caution against the dangers of methanol poisoning in Laos, underscoring the broader issue of counterfeit alcohol manufacturing in Southeast Asia.
These tragic incidents spotlight significant public health challenges, as both local authorities and international travelers grapple with the presence of potentially lethal alcoholic beverages in a popular tourism area.
