Methanol Poisoning Survivors Call for Greater Awareness in Southeast Asia

Recent incidents of methanol poisoning in Southeast Asia have raised alarms, with survivors recounting their experiences and families of victims advocating for enhanced travel safety measures.

 

When Calum Macdonald arrived at the Vietnamese border, he faced a disturbing sight: he could only see a "kaleidoscopic blinding light." A group of friends had recently traveled from Vang Vieng, a popular party destination in Laos, where they had consumed free alcoholic drinks at their hostel. As they mingled and enjoyed complimentary shots of whisky and vodka mixed with soft drinks, they remained unaware of the hidden dangers posed by low-quality alcohol.

Calum, 23, began to suspect something was wrong with his vision when he arrived in Vietnam and realized he could not see even when the lights were on. His sight continued to deteriorate, eventually leaving him permanently blind due to methanol poisoning that had struck several tourists in Vang Vieng last November. Tragically, six individuals lost their lives from consuming contaminated beverages, two of whom Calum had befriended on his trip.

Currently, Calum is collaborating with the families of three other British victims who succumbed to methanol poisoning while traveling in Southeast Asia. Together, they are advocating for more comprehensive warnings from the Foreign Office about the risks associated with alcohol consumption in regions known for methanol poisoning.

One of those victims was Simone White, who enjoyed free drinks at the same hostel just a day after Calum's departure. She had texted her mother proudly describing her vacation as the best of her life. However, soon after, Simone fell gravely ill and entered a coma, eventually passing away from methanol poisoning, leaving her mother grief-stricken.

Methanol, a toxic alcohol found in cleaning products and fuel, is often carelessly mixed into alcoholic drinks, particularly in regions with lax quality controls. In many cases, victims complain of symptoms resembling a typical hangover, which can delay the recognition of methanol poisoning until it's too late, leading to irreversible harm such as blindness or death.

Another victim, Kirsty McKie, died in 2022 after consuming a contaminated drink while socializing in Bali. Her friend Sonia survived, creating unbearable guilt over why one lived while the other perished.

For tourists, Calum strongly advises against accepting free alcohol and instead encourages them to enjoy safer options like local beers. Acknowledging the tragic stories of his fellow victims, he feels a newfound responsibility to spread awareness about the dangers of methanol.

The Foreign Office recognizes the serious threat posed by counterfeit and methanol-laced alcohol and claims to be working alongside local governments and the tourism industry to enhance traveler safety. Calum and the grieving families remain determined to ensure that their stories contribute to preventing similar tragedies for future tourists.