Methanol deaths strike Vang Vieng: Laos tourist alert raised
Tragedy in one of the Laotian tourist centres. In the past two weeks, five tourists have died there. One person is fighting for their life in hospital. They likely got poisoned by methanol.
As reported by bbc.com, a British woman, an Australian woman, an American man, and two Danish citizens have died. Another Australian woman remains in critical condition in hospital. The police are investigating the matter. Unofficial reports indicate, however, that the victims may have consumed drinks containing methanol, a toxic substance often found in illegal alcohol.
Methanol poisoning has long been a known problem throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in poorer countries located along the Mekong River.
Warnings do not help
Warnings for tourists do not help; concerning the consumption of alcohol in these countries, awareness of the possibility of methanol poisoning among party-goers remains minimal.
This is particularly evident in cities like Vang Vieng in Laos, where the fatal poisonings occurred. These are well-known stops on the Southeast Asia travel route for tourists. The economy of this city is mainly based on tourism, with streets full of bars, restaurants, and hostels where travellers from all over the world stay.
In countries like Laos—one of the poorest and least developed in Asia—alcohol suppliers exploit the state's weakness in law enforcement and the lack of regulations for the food and hospitality industry, reports BBC.com.
Source: bbc.com
