A New Zealander returns home after being poisoned by contaminated booze in Laos.
Authorities announced Monday that a New Zealander who was poisoned after consuming tainted beer in a well-known Laotian tourist town has returned home, while Laos promised to bring charges against those involved in the event that killed six visitors.
“One New Zealander who we suspect was poisoned with methanol in Laos has been receiving support from the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok. An communication from the New Zealand foreign ministry stated, “They have now left Laos and returned home,” without giving any other information about the individual.
After visiting Vang Vieng, a picturesque village that is well-liked by international travelers, two Danes, two Australians, a Briton, and an American have perished from methanol poisoning.
The father of 19-year-old Australian Bianca, Mark Jones, called on authorities in the Southeast Asian nation to act strictly to prevent future occurrences of the same kind.
Jones told reporters outside the Bangkok hospital where his daughter had been moved after becoming ill, “We can’t have the passing of our daughter’s life not lead to change to protect others.”
In addition to supporting efforts and awareness campaigns, a GoFundMe account has been started to assist the families of 19-year-old Melbourne residents Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles with the cost of returning them home. As of Monday morning, the campaign has raised approximately A$179,000 ($117,100).
Australia, the US, and the UK have cautioned their citizens against drinking in Laos because of the serious problem with home-made spirits and fakes of popular alcohol brands.
Travelers should exercise caution while consuming alcoholic beverages, especially cocktails and drinks produced with spirits that might have been tampered with with dangerous ingredients, New Zealand warned on Monday.
Toxic alcohols like methanol are utilized in industry as pesticides, solvents, and alternative fuels.
