Melbourne teenager fights for life in Thailand after suspected methanol poisoning

Melbourne woman, Holly Bowles, is fighting for her life in a hospital in Thailand after falling ill from suspected methanol poisoning while on a backpacking trip in Laos.

The 19-year-old, along with a fellow Australian traveller, reportedly consumed tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination.

The two women, both on a gap year before university, were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel when they fell ill after drinking the contaminated alcohol.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:

Bowles, a former student of Beaumaris Secondary College, has been described as an “absolute star” and “bundle of joy” by her colleagues at Frank’s Cafe in Cheltenham.

It is believed that at least 10 people, including two Swedish nationals who tragically died, were affected by the same poisoning.

Methanol is the simplest form of alcohol and is closely related to ethanol, the alcohol found in beer, wine, and spirits. However, it is far more toxic. Methanol can cause severe health complications such as blindness, seizures, and even death.

According to the Smartraveller website, “Alcohol production is less regulated in some destinations than in Australia. This can lead to methanol being used in the production process to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic—just one shot can be fatal.”

Australian authorities have warned tourists of the dangers of consuming local brews, which are often less regulated than those in Australia.

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.