Call for Travel Ban on Laos After Suspected Methanol Poisoning Deaths

Simone White’s mother urges the UK to place Laos on a no-travel list after her daughter and five others died from suspected methanol poisoning at a hostel in Vang Vieng. The call for government action follows the release of 11 suspects arrested in connection with the case, amid concerns over the Lao authorities’ handling of the investigation.

The mother of Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer who died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning, is urging the UK government to place Laos on its travel no-go list. White and five other victims, including Australian backpackers and American travelers, fell ill while staying at the popular Nana Backpacker Hostel, known for offering free shots of potentially contaminated spirits. Methanol can cause severe health issues or death as noted by the UK Health Security Agency.

Simone was accompanied by her friend Bethany Clarke, who was also hospitalized but has since recovered. Both women aim to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning and demand that the Foreign Office issue travel warnings for Laos. Clarke asserts that the Lao government lacks transparency regarding the incident and says, “The UK should impose a ban on trips to Laos.”

Currently, an alarming situation unfolds as 11 individuals arrested in connection with the poisoning were released without charges. Clarke learned of the release from a Danish parent linked to one of the victims, who suggested a lack of urgency in Laos to pursue justice in this case. There are concerns that officials want to avoid accountability regarding the incident.

Officials from the Lao Embassy in London stated that investigations into the fatalities are ongoing and they are cooperating with the authorities. However, they confirmed that there was insufficient evidence to keep hostel employees detained. The investigations include an examination of whether the hostel’s alcohol was tampered with, contradicting earlier claims of a distillery issue.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office acknowledged the tragedy, stating, “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos and we are in contact with the local authorities.” The junior Foreign Office minister highlighted that risks of methanol poisoning are addressed in existing travel warnings for several Asian countries, including Laos.

Methanol poisoning poses risks globally, particularly in tourist areas, due to its odorless nature and subtle taste. In response to this threat, Clarke and White advocate for testing strips that would allow travelers to check for methanol in their drinks, highlighting the urgent need for tools to prevent such incidents.

This article discusses the tragic case of Simone White and others who suffered from methanol poisoning in Laos, leading to a demand for the UK government to place Laos on a no-travel list. The lack of transparency from Lao authorities, coupled with the release of detainees without charges, raises concerns about accountability for the incident. The work of White’s mother and Clarke aims to increase awareness about methanol risks and develop detection methods for travelers.

Original Source: www.inkl.com