**Australia Issues Alert on Dangerous Liquors in Laos**

**Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory cautioning against the consumption of certain liquors in Laos due to serious health risks stemming from suspected methanol poisoning that has led to multiple deaths, including two Australians.**

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has heightened travel warnings regarding alcohol consumption in Laos, specifically targeting Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky. This advisory comes amid growing concerns over health risks linked to suspected methanol poisoning following a tragic series of events where six individuals died in Vang Vieng after reportedly consuming locally made vodka.

The death of two Australian tourists, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, has garnered significant media attention, prompting the Australian government to act. The Laotian authorities have already taken steps to ban the sale and consumption of these spirits in response to the alarming incidents. The travel advisory has urged Australians traveling to Laos to remain vigilant and avoid spirit-based drinks, especially cocktails, to safeguard their health.

The fatalities in Vang Vieng, a popular spot among backpackers, have resulted in the detention of eight hostel staff members; however, no formal charges have been made as of now. Families of the deceased have expressed their hope that the Laotian government will thoroughly investigate the ongoing case, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent further tragedies.

Among the deceased were not only the two Australians but also four others from different countries, indicating a wider issue of safety concerning alcoholic beverages in the region. Reports suggest that the alcohol consumed may have contained methanol, a hazardous chemical often found in counterfeit spirits. Medical experts warn that as little as 25ml of methanol can be lethal, leading to an urgent reassessment of alcohol safety for tourists.

In light of this situation, the UK's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has also updated its travel advice to caution against the dangers associated with methanol consumption in Laos, reflecting growing concerns over counterfeit alcohol practices in Southeast Asia and the critical need for safety measures in the region's lucrative tourism industry.