Vientiane, Laos — After a string of methanol poisoning incidents involving tourists in Laos, including the deaths of six foreign nationals, authorities have introduced tough new regulations on local spirits. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller service has responded by urging caution, particularly highlighting the recent prohibition of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky in the region.
The health advisories came following the tragic loss of two 19-year-old Australians in Vang Vieng, a noted tourist destination in Laos. Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both from Melbourne, succumbed to methanol poisoning after consuming local alcoholic beverages. The incidents also claimed the lives of four other tourists from the United States, United Kingdom, and Denmark.
To combat these risks, Lao officials have fast-tracked measures to stem the sale and consumption of the implicated alcohol brands, both of which have been linked to the lethal outcomes. Concerns center around methanol, a highly toxic chemical often used in bootleg spirit production due to its low cost. Dangerous even in small quantities, methanol can cause fatal poisoning.
In light of these events, travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution. The Smartraveller guidance stresses the importance of vigilance when consuming any spirit-based drinks, including cocktails popular in tourist areas. The potential for drinks and even food items to be spiked with harmful substances prompted an expanded travel warning.
“Safeguarding oneself is paramount when traveling in regions with reported incidents,” Smartraveller advises. Travelers should avoid accepting open drinks from strangers, never leave their drinks unattended, and if unsure about a drink’s safety, it’s best to simply abstain. The advisory particularly emphasizes sticking with known companions in social scenarios and only consuming alcohol in reputable, licensed establishments.
Additional recommended precautions against spiked drinks include carefully checking bottle labels and avoiding any homemade alcoholic beverages. In instances where drink tampering is suspected, immediate medical help should be sought.
Tourist safety concerns have elevated Vang Vieng’s travel status to “Reconsider your need to travel,” placing the destination under greater scrutiny while authorities tackle the issue of unsafe alcohol.
The incidents mark a serious concern for Laos’ tourism sector, which attracts numerous backpackers and leisure travelers drawn by the area’s scenic views and vibrant nightlife. Responding to these concerns, local businesses, such as the Nana Backpack hostel managed by Duong Duc Toan in Vang Vieng, are now tasked with ensuring the safety and compliance with the new regulations to restore confidence among international tourists.