Toxic drinks kill tourists in Laos

Methanol causes death of six people - 16th December 2024

Six tourists have died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning. The victims, from Australia, Britain, Denmark and the USA, became ill whilst staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng and drinking from the hostel bar.

Located in central Laos, Vang Vieng Valley’s one of the hot spots on the Southeast Asia backpacker trail. It’s common practice for the hostels to compete for business by tempting backpackers with free or low-priced alcohol.

Police believe that the drinks at the Nana Backpacker Hostel had been contaminated with methanol. This substance, a pesticide and fuel not intended for human consumption, is highly toxic. Nevertheless, as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, it’s used by some to stretch alcoholic drinks.

Whilst the hostel’s management denies any drinks were interfered with, it’s been shut down by the police investigation. This was quickly followed by the arrest of 8 hostel staff from Vietnam, two men from India and a woman from the Philippines.

One theory circulating is that the deceased and six others who fell critically ill had consumed locally branded Tiger Vodka or Tiger Whiskey that had been contaminated. The presence of methanol in alcoholic drinks can occur through traditional brewing methods.

Depending on various factors involved in its production, the quantity of methanol can reach toxic levels. In response to these concerns, Laos authorities have prohibited the sale of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey.

The two Australian victims, friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, were both aged 19. Their families have started a joint GoFundMe page. Funds raised aim to support education programmes to combat methanol poisoning.

Australia’s government website Smartraveller advises travellers to be mindful when drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits and to avoid homemade alcoholic drinks in order to avoid the risk of methanol poisoning.