Bangkok The deaths of international visitors who drank beer tainted with methanol have deeply devastated the Lao government, which has promised to bring charges against those guilty.
After visiting Vang Vieng, a picturesque village that is well-liked by international travelers, and consuming tainted wine, two Danes, two Australians, a Briton, and an American have perished.
In its first formal remarks posted on the foreign affairs ministry website on Saturday, the government stated that it has been investigating the incident to determine its causes and to prosecute those responsible in line with the law.
According to the statement, the government offers the families of the departed its sincerest condolences and genuine sympathies.
KPL, the state-run news agency of Laos, reported on Friday that investigators were compiling witness statements and evidence in connection with the deaths of foreigners who may have consumed poisoned wine.
In Laos, there is an issue with home-made spirits and counterfeits of popular alcohol brands. Both Britain and Australia have cautioned its nationals against drinking alcohol there.
The U.S. embassy in Laos responded to the incident by urging its people to be cautious about the possibility of methanol poisoning when consuming spirit-based beverages. The embassy advised them to purchase from authorized sellers and look for indications of counterfeiting or tampering.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methanol is a hazardous alcohol that is utilized in industry as a solvent, insecticide, and alternative fuel source.
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