Tainted Drinks in Laos' Party Hub: 2 Australians Hospitalized with Methanol Poisoning

Two Australian tourists, both 19 years old, have been hospitalized in Thailand with severe alcohol poisoning after consuming contaminated drinks in Vang Vieng, Laos. The incident has reignited concerns about the dangers of methanol poisoning in Southeast Asia, where tourists often succumb to the risk of tainted drinks.

The Australians, who were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, had consumed free shots of Lao vodka on November 11, which are suspected to have caused the poisoning. The hostel's manager, Duong Duc Toan, has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the same drinks were served to at least 100 other guests without incident. However, the incident has raised questions about the safety of the hospitality industry in Vang Vieng, a town notorious for its party scene and adventure sports.

Methanol poisoning is a growing concern in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries where local producers often fail to correctly reduce the toxic level of methanol in the production process. In recent weeks, six Britons, including a 28-year-old woman, have been hospitalized with suspected methanol poisoning in the region. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the two women and their families, while the Danish Foreign Ministry has confirmed that two Danish citizens have also died in Laos due to undetermined causes, which may be related to methanol poisoning.

Vang Vieng has faced efforts to clean up its image over the past decade, but methanol poisoning remains a known risk. The town's party scene is a major draw for tourists, but the risks associated with contaminated drinks are often overlooked. Consulates and tourism operators are aware of the risk, but it appears that many tourists are not. To minimize the risk of methanol poisoning, travelers are advised to buy alcohol only from licensed bars, hotels, or shops, check labels for signs of counterfeiting, and avoid homemade alcohol.

As the investigation into the incident continues, tourists are taking precautions, with some opting to order bottled beer instead of shots and reconsidering activities like river tubing. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being vigilant when consuming alcohol in unfamiliar environments. Authorities and tourism operators must work together to raise awareness about the risks of methanol poisoning and ensure that tourists can enjoy their travels safely.