In brief
Six tourists—including a Briton, two Australians, two Danes and an American—died in Vang Vieng after drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol. Laos authorities say they lack forensic evidence to identify the cause of death because no autopsies were carried out. The distillery owner faces charges for selling harmful food products, but not for the deaths, and the Australian government has expressed deep frustration at the lack of serious charges. Methanol poisoning can be fatal even in small doses, and symptoms include vomiting, blurred vision and coma.
Laos says no evidence to point to the cause of six backpacker deaths linked to methanol‑tainted alcohol.
The victims were a 28‑year‑old Briton, two Australians aged 19 and 20, two Danish nationals aged 20 and 21, and a 57‑year‑old American.
The Ministry of Public Security explained that it could not establish whether any individual or specific cause was responsible because no autopsies were carried out.
The distillery owner, who produced the vodka that was later found to contain excessive levels of methanol, is facing charges for selling harmful food products and operating an illegal business, but not for the deaths.
Charges carry penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of £829 (US$1,100; A$1,600).
Australia’s foreign ministry summoned Laos’ ambassador in Canberra, saying it was “deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed” by the lack of serious charges.
The Laos ministry added that authorities had not been allowed to perform autopsies in 2024, leaving them without forensic evidence to determine the cause of death.
Methanol is a colourless liquid that tastes like alcohol; even a small amount can be lethal. It is absorbed quickly from the gut and converted in the liver to toxic substances that damage the nervous system and other organs.
Many of the victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where guests failed to check out after falling ill on 13 November.
The town of Vang Vieng is a riverside hub for backpackers travelling across Southeast Asia.
The British government has recently announced a campaign warning tourists of the risks of methanol contamination in local drinks.
Typical symptoms of methanol poisoning include:
- Vomiting, loss of judgment, balance issues and drowsiness at first.
- Between 12–48 hours after drinking: abdominal pain, vertigo, breathlessness, blurred or lost vision, coma or convulsions.
- Hyperventilation, vision disturbances—blurry vision, light sensitivity, “snowfield” or tunnel vision—and possible blindness.
These symptoms point to methanol poisoning and demand urgent medical treatment.
