Two Australian tourists, both 19-year-old women, are currently receiving treatment in Thailand for suspected severe alcohol poisoning after consuming tainted drinks during their backpacking trip in Laos. The incident took place in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia has confirmed that they are providing consular assistance to the affected individuals and their families in Thailand. Due to privacy reasons, detailed information about the case has not been disclosed.
The tourists were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, where they checked in on November 9. They went out with a group of young people on the evening of November 11 and returned in the early hours of the morning. Concerns arose when they did not check out as scheduled on November 13.
Upon discovery, the women reported feeling unwell, prompting the hostel to seek medical assistance. Subsequently, they were transferred to hospitals in Bangkok and Udon Thani, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Their parents have flown in to be by their side during this challenging time.
While the specific details of the drinks consumed remain unclear, there are suspicions that methanol, a toxic substance sometimes used as a cheap alternative to ethanol in illicit alcohol, may have been involved. Methanol ingestion can lead to severe poisoning or even death.
Reports suggest that additional tourists may have also been affected by the same incident, although this information has yet to be verified.
