Laos Unable to Pinpoint Cause of Six Tourist Deaths Linked to Methanol


Victims including Australians and Briton

Laos says it cannot determine blame or cause for six deaths linked to methanol‑tainted alcohol.


A Briton, two Australians, two Danish citizens and an American died in November 2024 after a night out in Vang Vieng. The Laos Ministry of Public Security said no autopsies were carried out, so the deaths "were caused by the actions of any individual or by any particular cause" could not be established.


Earlier this week the distillery owner was charged for selling harmful food products and operating an illegal business. The charges carry up to one year in jail and a fine of £829 (US$1,100; A$1,600) for known offenders.


Australia’s foreign ministry summoned Laos’ ambassador in Canberra, saying it was "deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed" that serious charges had not been pursued. The Australian Federal Police had offered assistance but was denied access.


The Laos government noted that authorities were not allowed to conduct autopsies in 2024, lacking forensic evidence to determine cause of death. However, excessive levels of methanol were found in vodka from the implicated distillery.


The victims were Simone White, 28, Briton; Bianca Jones, 19, and Holly Morton‑Bowles, 19, Australians; Anne‑Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, Danes; and James Louis Hutson, 57, American.


The methanol is a colourless, tasteless liquid that is toxic and can cause blindness or death after only a small dose. It is often illegally added to alcohol to cut costs.


Many victims were at Nana Backpacker Hostel, where guests failed to check out after falling ill on 13 November. Ten people connected to the hostel earlier this year were charged with destroying evidence, receiving suspended sentences and fines of $185 (£135) each.


Vang Vieng is a riverside town in central Laos popular with backpackers travelling across Southeast Asia. Last week the British government launched a campaign warning tourists of methanol risks.


Symptoms of methanol poisoning can include vomiting, poor judgement, loss of balance and drowsiness early on. Within 12–48 hours, abdominal pain, vertigo, breathlessness, blurred or worsening vision – sometimes leading to blindness, coma or convulsions – may appear.