Laos —
On November 21st, 2024, the UK Foreign Office confirmed that Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer, was the fifth tourist to die in Laos this week, suspected of methanol poisoning from illegal alcohol.
In an update, on November 22nd, an Australian teen, Holly Bowles, 19, became the sixth death, with her family and Australian foreign minister expressing sorrow.
Earlier on the 21st, the US State Department reported the death of an American man in Vang Vieng. Shortly after, the family of Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian, confirmed her passing. Two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, had also died the previous week, according to Danish authorities, who withheld further details.
Police in Laos are investigating the deaths, which occurred after the victims reportedly consumed methanol-laced alcohol from a popular backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng.
International media and online accounts have linked the incidents to free “Lao vodka” shots offered at the establishment.
The incident has also led to several illnesses. Other victims include a British woman, a Dutch tourist, and a New Zealand citizen, all hospitalized with severe symptoms.
US officials stated they are closely monitoring the situation, while New Zealand and Dutch authorities confirmed the illnesses of their nationals.
The hostel in question has been temporarily shut down during the investigation. Its manager reportedly claims no other guests reported health issues after the free shots offer and denies serving methanol shots and hopes the inquiry will restore the hostel’s reputation. The manager has, regardless, been detained by police.
Methanol poisoning occasionally happens in Thailand also as recently police arrested Thai suspects linked to the deadly “Ya Dong Cluster” incident in Bangkok, where more than 10 people died from consuming herb-infused Thai liquor.
