Smartraveller issues urgent warning for Australians in Laos

The Australian Government website Smartraveller has urged Australians in Laos to avoid drinking Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey over ‘serious safety concerns.’

The updated warning follows the deaths of six tourists in Indonesia from suspected methanol poisoning, which included Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles. 

“Australians should avoid consuming these products due to these serious safety concerns,” states the Smartraveller update. 

“Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.”

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Laos authorities have banned the sale and consumption of both products, which can retail in the area for as little as $2.50, the ABC reports. 

Earlier this week, eight staff from Nana Backpackers Hostel were arrested. 

Amid questioning from the ABC, the owner of the hostel denied the poisoned drinks came from his bar. 

“I really take care of all the customers [who] stay with our hotel and our hostel,” Duong van Huan told the ABC earlier this week. 

“I’m not doing anything wrong with all of the customers.”

Duong van Huong is among the eight staff members that were detained by police for questioning.

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