After the death of six tourists victims of alleged poisoning by adulterated alcohol in Laos, Australian authorities warn their nationals traveling to this Southeast Asian country: they should avoid at all costs drinking Tiger brand whiskey and vodka in the place, both produced in Laos, reports in particular the Guardian and CNN.
In a message published this Friday, November 29, on Smartraveller, the Australian government’s travel advice site, the latter also ensures that the Laotian authorities have banned the sale and consumption of this whiskey and vodka “due to their concerns about the risk that these products represent”. for health.
The silence of the Laotian government
As CNN notes, this ban has not been confirmed by the government of Laos, a country under communist rule where local media are also closely monitored. Local authorities also remained silent more than a week after the deaths of the first foreign tourists. They later said they were “deeply saddened” by these deaths and expressed their “sincere condolences.”
A total of two Danes, two Australian women, an English woman and an American died after drinking alcohol containing methanol earlier this month in Vian Vieng, a town popular with travelers visiting the region. Other tourists, including an Australian, also fell ill.
In this case, eight staff members at the Nana Backpackers hostel, where at least five of the dead tourists were staying, were arrested, according to state media Laotian Times.
Among them was the manager of the establishment. According to the Associated Press, he told police he had offered free drinks to the two dead Australians, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, as well as about a hundred other customers. According to him, the two 19-year-old girls went out to spend the night and the other hostel guests who had had drinks did not report any problems.
“Never accept free ‘injections'”
“Be aware of the potential risks of consuming spirits, including cocktails,” Australian authorities warn. The Quai d’Orsay also offers advice to French people who want to go to Laos.
“It is strongly recommended not to consume any drink whose origin is not assured (bottle already opened, incorrectly printed labeling, unofficial supplier, etc.) and, in particular, never accept the free ‘shots’ offered in certain bars,” it states. read. on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The latter sometimes make their alcohol in an artisanal way with substitute chemical ingredients to reduce the cost,” warns the ministry.
Source: BFM TV
