Deaths of Foreign Tourists Spark Methanol Poisoning Concerns in Laos

Mon Dec 23 2024 05:10:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Deaths of Foreign Tourists Spark Methanol Poisoning Concerns in Laos

Recent deaths of tourists from various countries highlight a troubling trend in Laos involving tainted alcoholic beverages.


At least four tourists have died in Laos in recent days, raising significant alarm about potential methanol poisoning linked to contaminated alcoholic drinks. The victims include travelers from the United States, Australia, and Denmark, with officials stating that methanol may have been present in some alcoholic beverages consumed by these individuals.

On November 21, 2024, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the death of Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian, in Thailand. Reports indicate that she had been hospitalized after consuming a drink in Laos, and authorities have cited swelling of the brain due to methanol as a likely cause of death. The U.S. State Department also reported the death of an American tourist in Vang Vieng without going into detail.

Further incidents reported include two Australian women who fell ill after consuming Lao vodka at a hostel, with managers citing a connection to their symptoms. Methanol, a hazardous substance often used in industrial products, can sometimes be found in cheaper alcoholic drinks, leading to severe health risks for consumers.

Both Australia and New Zealand have issued advisories regarding the consumption of spirit-based drinks in Laos, cautioning travelers against potential dangers. Meanwhile, the Danish Foreign Ministry confirmed the recent fatalities of two Danish nationals but did not specify if their deaths were linked to methanol poisoning.

The alarming trend has led to heightened awareness and caution among tourists in Laos, a location well-known for its vibrant backpacking scene and nightlife. As investigations continue, officials urge travelers to exercise vigilance when consuming alcohol while abroad.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:46:02 GMT

Australia's Strategic Engagement in the Pacific: New Deals Amid Global Influence Wars

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:46:02 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:14:52 GMT

# Peter Mandelson Appointed UK Ambassador to the US Amidst Trump Administration Challenges

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:14:52 GMT
Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:35:02 GMT

**Crisis in Mayotte: Cyclone Chido Leaves Thousands Without Water Amidst Growing Concerns**

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:35:02 GMT
Tue, 17 Dec 2024 23:23:47 GMT

China Expands Visa-Free Stay Duration for Transit Tourists

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 23:23:47 GMT
Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:08:39 GMT

Paul Watson Released from Greenland Jail Following Extradition Denial by Denmark

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:08:39 GMT
Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:33:47 GMT

Paul Watson Freed from Detention, Rejects Japan's Extradition Request

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:33:47 GMT
Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:02:25 GMT

Mayotte Enforces Curfew Following Devastating Cyclone, Hundreds Feared Dead

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:02:25 GMT
Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:22:18 GMT

Tragedy Strikes Georgia's Gudauri Ski Resort: Twelve Lives Lost to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:22:18 GMT
Mon, 16 Dec 2024 21:36:47 GMT

Syria's New Rebel Leader Calls for Sanction Lifting Amidst Ongoing Conflicts

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 21:36:47 GMT
Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:01:25 GMT

Bali Nine Drug Smugglers Repatriated After Two Decades in Indonesian Prison

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:01:25 GMT
Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:28:40 GMT

Safety Concerns Arise After Tourists Hospitalized from Suspected Poisoning in Fiji

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:28:40 GMT
Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:27:26 GMT

Tragic Carbon Monoxide Incident Claims Twelve Lives at Georgia's Gudauri Ski Resort

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:27:26 GMT
Mon, 16 Dec 2024 02:03:13 GMT

**Emerging Scandinavian Wines: A New Frontier in Viticulture**

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 02:03:13 GMT
Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:24:52 GMT

Bali Nine Drug Traffickers Return to Australia After Two Decades in Prison

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:24:52 GMT
Sun, 15 Dec 2024 21:11:08 GMT

Australia Welcomes Home Remaining 'Bali Nine' Drug Smugglers After Two Decades in Indonesian Prisons

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 21:11:08 GMT
Sun, 15 Dec 2024 12:07:06 GMT

Seven Tourists Hospitalized in Fiji Amid Suspected Alcohol Poisoning Crisis

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 12:07:06 GMT
Sun, 15 Dec 2024 07:22:08 GMT

Australia Welcomes Return of Bali Nine Drug Smugglers After Nearly 20 Years in Prison

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 07:22:08 GMT
Sat, 14 Dec 2024 02:27:01 GMT

Australia Leverages Rugby Alliance to Strengthen Influence in Papua New Guinea

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 02:27:01 GMT
Sat, 14 Dec 2024 01:56:05 GMT

**Bolivia's Controversial Extradition: Former Anti-Narcotics Chief Faces US Charges**

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 01:56:05 GMT
Fri, 13 Dec 2024 04:08:38 GMT

Bolivia's Ex-Anti-Drug Chief Extradited to the US Amid Controversy

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 04:08:38 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.