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The Polish Embassy warns of deadly methanol poisoning in Laos

22.11.2024 17:00
Following several tourist deaths in Laos due to methanol poisoning, the Polish Embassy in Bangkok has issued an urgent alert about contaminated alcohol.
A wooden man having a drink alone at an outdoor bar in Vientiane, Laos.
A wooden man having a drink alone at an outdoor bar in Vientiane, Laos.Adrian Fleur/Unsplash.com/CC0

Among the victims was a 19-year-old Australian, Bianca Jones, who died from consuming tainted alcohol, while her friend remains in critical condition.

Similar incidents have occurred with the deaths of an American and two Danish tourists, all linked to drinking counterfeit or illicit alcohol containing methanol. 

The media reports six deaths linked to the consumption of contaminated alcohol.

Methanol, a colorless and odorless substance, is often found in counterfeit versions of popular alcohols and illegal local drinks like vodka.

The embassy advises extreme caution when consuming drinks offered by strangers or purchased from unfamiliar places, as methanol poisoning can cause blindness, nerve damage, and even death.

Source: The Polish Embassy in Bangkok/X/@ABC/@TravelGov

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