(Source : BBC) Australia has issued a travel warning urging its citizens to avoid drinking certain alcohol brands in Laos, following a series of deaths believed to be caused by methanol poisoning. The deaths, which occurred earlier this month in the town of Vang Vieng, have raised serious safety concerns for travelers to the region.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advisory on Friday, warning tourists not to consume Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky, citing serious health risks associated with these locally produced spirits. Laotian authorities have already banned the sale and consumption of these two products due to concerns they may be contaminated with methanol, a toxic industrial alcohol often found in counterfeit or bootleg alcohol.
Six people have died in connection with the suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination. Among the victims were two Australians, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, who had been staying at the Nana Backpackers hostel. Also among the deceased were a 28-year-old British lawyer, Simone White, a 57-year-old American, James Louis Hutson, and two young Danish tourists, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen.
Reports suggest that the victims consumed locally made vodka before falling ill. Local authorities have detained eight staff members from the hostel, although no charges have been filed as of yet. The hostel’s owners have denied serving illicit alcohol.
The Australian government has urged travelers to remain vigilant, especially when consuming cocktails and spirit-based drinks, and to be aware of the potential risks posed by methanol-laced alcohol. Methanol is a colorless and odorless substance, and even small amounts (as little as 25ml) can be fatal if ingested.
The families of the Australian victims have called for continued action by Laotian authorities. “I was happy to hear that there’s been some movement over in Laos – we cannot have our girls passing and this continuing to happen,” said Mark Jones, father of one of the Australian victims.
The UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has also updated its travel advisory, cautioning travelers about the dangers of methanol poisoning in Laos, noting that it has been used in counterfeit versions of well-known alcohol brands.
While the State Department has not issued a specific warning related to the recent methanol poisoning incidents in Laos, it has maintained its travel advisory to Level 2, urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” when visiting the country. The advisory cites ongoing civil unrest and safety concerns in several regions, particularly near the borders with Burma and in areas affected by unexploded bombs from past conflicts.
- Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to ongoing civil unrest and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services there.
- Exercise Increased Caution in areas along the border with Burma due to criminal activity and armed groups.
- Several provinces, including Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, and Saravane, as well as key routes, are dangerous due to unexploded ordnance left over from the Indochina War.
Travelers are advised to avoid unknown metal objects, stay on well-used roads, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts. The Department of State also recommends reviewing health and safety information on its website and the CDC’s travel health page.
The investigation into the deaths is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine how many individuals remain affected by the suspected methanol poisoning.
