Laos methanol poisonings: New Zealander returns home

Vang Vieng, a small riverside town in central Laos known for its party scene, has long attracted backpackers travelling across Southeast Asia.

But the recent spate of deaths have spooked tourists, and especially women, as five of the six who died were female travellers. Several governments, including New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, have warned their citizens about drinking spirits in Laos.

Last week, 19-year-old Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died days after being admitted to hospital in neighbouring Thailand. Theirs were the first deaths suspected to be caused by methanol, a toxic, flavourless and colourless substance commonly added to bootleg alcohol.

Then Danish authorites reported the deaths of two women, aged 19 and 20, who had died in Vang Vieng earlier this month. A 57-year-old American man was also found dead in Vang Vieng.

And last week, a 28-year-old London lawyer, Simone White, died after she was believed to have ingesed methanol.

All the victims stayed at The Nana Backpackers hostel, which is now closed. The owners had denied serving illicit alcohol.

Some travellers in Vang Vieng are steering clear of the once-popular free shots and alcohol buckets offered to tourists, telling the BBC that they felt concerned about their safety.

“The New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok (which has responsibility for Laos) has been providing assistance to one New Zealander who we believe to have been poisoned with methanol in Laos,” New Zealand’s foreign ministry said in a statement. “No further details will be provided for privacy reasons”.

“Know the signs of methanol poisoning and seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected,” the statement said.

Methanol poisoning is the most prevalent in Asia, mostly affecting poorer communities and places with weak food regulations and enforcement.