Laos —
On November 27th, 2024, international news outlets provided an update on six foreign tourists who died in Laos last week, allegedly due to methanol poisoning from illegal alcohol.
Local investigations led to the arrest of eight additional staff members from NANA Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, where several of the victims had stayed.
Read the recent article about the methanol poisoning in Laos here.
The Vang Vieng’s Public Security Command revealed that the investigation intensified following the town governor’s order to shut down the hostel on November 23rd. Although the hostel owners denied serving illegal alcohol, local authorities suspect methanol-contaminated liquor was a factor in the deaths.
The tragedy brought global attention to Vang Vieng, prompting countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the UK to issue travel advisories, warning citizens to avoid consuming alcohol in the area.
Meanwhile, Australia’s ABC News reported that an Australian dual citizen has fallen ill, possibly due to methanol poisoning, while a previously affected New Zealand tourist has recovered and returned home.
