A tragic incident in Laos has brought attention to the dangers of counterfeit alcohol in popular tourist destinations.
Six foreign tourists, including two young Australians, have died after reportedly consuming tainted alcohol in the town of Vang Vieng.
The deaths have sparked international calls for a thorough investigation and greater awareness of the risks associated with unregulated substances, according to Ziare.
On Friday, a 19-year-old Australian woman passed away in a Bangkok hospital, a day after her best friend succumbed to the same circumstances. Both had been staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng.
According to reports, they consumed alcohol at the hostel’s bar before heading out for the evening.
Staff discovered the two women unresponsive in their room the next morning and rushed them to the hospital.
The victims include tourists from Denmark, the UK, and the U.S.
British media identified one of the deceased as Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from Kent, described by her family as "beautiful, kind, and full of life."
The governments of Denmark and the U.S. have not disclosed the causes of death for their citizens.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her condolences to the families of the young women, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, calling the news "heartbreaking."
She confirmed that the Australian government has urged Laos to conduct a "complete and transparent" investigation.
Authorities in Laos have detained the manager of the hostel where the two Australians stayed, although no formal charges have been filed.
Local officials have expressed their sympathy and pledged to hold those responsible accountable.
Reports suggest that the deaths may be linked to methanol poisoning, a known risk in counterfeit alcohol.
Methanol, a toxic industrial chemical, is sometimes added to alcohol to increase potency or reduce costs. Its ingestion can lead to blindness, organ failure, or death.
Vang Vieng, a once-notorious party destination in Laos, has shifted its focus to ecotourism in recent years. However, the recent tragedy shows the lingering dangers faced by tourists in the region.
Governments, including the UK and Australia, continue to warn travelers about the risks of methanol poisoning in Southeast Asia.
