Laos says it cannot determine cause of tourist deaths linked to methanol

Laos said it could not determine the crime or cause of six deaths linked to alcohol containing methanol.

In November 2024, a Briton, two Australians, two Danish citizens and an American lost their lives after a night in Vang Vieng.

Laos’ Ministry of Public Security said it did not have evidence to determine whether the deaths were “due to the action of any individual or a specific cause, because no autopsies were performed on the bodies.”

It was revealed earlier this week that the owner of the distillery was accused of selling unhealthy food products and doing illegal business, but it did not result in death.

Collectively, the charges carry penalties of up to one year in prison and a fine of £829 (US$1,100; A$1,600) against those allegedly responsible.

In response, the Australian government said it was “deeply disappointed and bitterly disappointed” that more serious charges were not pursued following the deaths of six backpackers.

Australia’s foreign ministry summoned Laos’ ambassador to Canberra.

Laos Ministry of Public Security said on Saturday that authorities were not allowed to perform an autopsy in 2024 and therefore “lacked the necessary forensic evidence to determine the cause of death.”

However, the ministry added that authorities found “excessive levels of methanol” in the vodka produced at the distillery in question.

The victims included Briton Simone White, 28, Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, 19, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and US citizen James Louis Hutson, 57, both from Denmark.

Free throws are thought to be contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance normally found in paint thinner but sometimes illegally mixed with alcohol to cut costs.

The poison is a colorless liquid that tastes like alcohol, and drinking a relatively small amount can be lethal.

It is absorbed in the intestines within a few minutes and then enters the bloodstream. As the body tries to clear methanol (break it down or metabolize it in the liver), an enzyme converts it into formaldehyde and formic acid.

Most of the victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where guests were unable to check out after falling ill on November 13.

Earlier this year 10 people linked to the hostel were charged with destroying evidence, suspended sentences and fines of $185 (£135) each.

Vang Vieng is a riverside town in central Laos and a hub for backpackers traveling in Southeast Asia.

Last week the British government launched a campaign warning tourists about the risks of methanol.

Some of the symptoms of methanol poisoning may include: