Survivor Speaks Out on Alarming Methanol Poisoning Crisis in Southeast Asia

Calum Macdonald, a methanol poisoning survivor, lost his sight after ingesting contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos. His story sheds light on the urgent need for increased awareness of the dangers posed by free drinks and cheap spirits, particularly in Southeast Asia, where methanol poisoning is a growing crisis.

When Calum Macdonald reached the Vietnamese border, everything around him transformed into a "kaleidoscopic blinding light." Having just traveled overnight by bus from the popular Lao tourist destination of Vang Vieng, he was with friends after a night of partying, where free shots of whisky and vodka had been served. Initially, he dismissed his sudden inability to read administrative forms as mere food poisoning, but upon arriving at their hotel in Vietnam, he realized that the lights were on—but he could not see them.

Macdonald, now 23, is one of the unfortunate few who suffered severe methanol poisoning in November while staying at the same hostel that claimed the lives of six individuals, including two Danish girls he had befriended. In the wake of the tragedy, he and the families of other victims are rallying for the UK Foreign Office to better inform travelers about the risks associated with alcohol consumption in areas notorious for methanol exposure.

One of those victims was Simone White, who, just a day after Macdonald's departure, enjoyed free shots at the same location. Her joyous messages to her mother soon turned into tragic news of her coma and eventual death due to methanol poisoning—a harrowing experience her mother, Sue, is still grappling with.

Methanol, a toxic form of alcohol often found in industrial products, can mistakenly appear in drinks if improperly distilled. Frequent incidents of methanol poisoning in Southeast Asia, particularly with low-cost spirits, are alarmingly common, with the medical charity Doctors Without Borders noting that hundreds suffer from this annually. Symptoms can mimic typical hangover effects, making it challenging for victims to realize they have consumed something deadly.

Other stories, like that of Kirsty McKie, who succumbed to methanol poisoning after a night of drinks in Bali, further illustrate the unpredictable nature of this scourge. Her friend, who also drank the same contaminated beverage, survived but is haunted by the randomness of the ordeal.

Calum advises future travelers to steer clear of complimentary alcoholic drinks and to stick to safer options, particularly locally brewed beers. His own journey through disability has been significant, and he expresses a newfound responsibility to advocate for awareness and prevention of methanol poisoning in travel hotspots. Despite his loss of sight, he is adjusting to his new reality with hopes of training a guide dog to help navigate his life.

The UK Foreign Office acknowledges the severity of methanol poisoning and is working to inform the public about the risks, urging awareness through campaigns targeting travelers to high-risk destinations.