A New Zealand citizen who suffered methanol poisoning after consuming contaminated alcohol in Laos has returned home, officials confirmed on Monday, as Laotian authorities vowed to prosecute those responsible for the incident that has claimed six lives.
The New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok has been assisting the victim, according to a spokesperson for New Zealand’s foreign ministry. “The individual has now departed Laos and returned home,” the spokesperson said via email, withholding further details about the person’s condition.
The poisoning occurred in Vang Vieng, a picturesque town popular with backpackers. The victims included two Danes, two Australians, a Briton, and an American.
Mark Jones, the father of 19-year-old Australian victim Bianca Jones, called for strict measures to prevent future tragedies. “We can’t let the loss of our daughter’s life go in vain. There needs to be change to protect others,” Jones said, speaking outside a Bangkok hospital where his daughter was treated before succumbing to the poisoning.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the families of Bianca Jones and her friend, 19-year-old Holly Bowles. The fundraiser aims to help with repatriation costs and raise awareness about the dangers of adulterated alcohol. As of Monday morning, it had raised approximately AUD 179,000.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured that his government is collaborating closely with Thai and Laotian authorities. He also offered the assistance of the Australian Federal Police to aid in the investigation. “We are committed to examining how this tragic incident, which has affected so many lives, can be prevented in the future,” Albanese said in parliament.
The Laotian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable.
Travel advisories from Australia, the United States, and Britain have warned their citizens to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic beverages in Laos, citing the prevalence of counterfeit brands and home-brewed spirits. On Monday, New Zealand echoed these warnings, advising travelers to avoid cocktails or spirits that might be adulterated with harmful substances.
Methanol, a toxic alcohol used in industrial applications such as solvents, pesticides, and alternative fuels, can cause severe poisoning if ingested.
The tragedy has cast a spotlight on the dangers of adulterated alcohol in Southeast Asia, prompting calls for stricter regulations and greater consumer awareness to prevent further incidents.
