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🇹🇭 Thailand /Crime & Justice

Laos defends handling of tainted-alcohol deaths

From Bangkok Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Laos authorities cannot determine the cause or blame for six tourist deaths in 2024 linked to methanol-tainted alcohol because families refused autopsies.
  • The Ministry of Public Security stated that the lack of forensic evidence prevents assigning responsibility.
  • Legal proceedings have begun against the Tiger Vodka distillery owner for hazardous product manufacturing, while a hostel owner faces charges for evidence destruction.

Laotian authorities stated Saturday they cannot assign blame or determine the cause of death for six tourists who died in 2024 after consuming tainted alcohol. The Ministry of Public Security explained that families of the deceased refused to allow autopsies, preventing the collection of necessary forensic evidence.

To date, authorities do not yet have evidence that can establish whether the deaths … were caused by the actions of any individual or by any particular causes.

— Ministry of Public SecurityThe ministry explained the difficulty in assigning blame due to the refusal of autopsies.

Two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton, and two Australians reportedly died in Vang Vieng in November 2024 following a night out. The ministry's statement noted the absence of evidence linking the deaths to any specific individual or cause. However, the Food and Drug Research Center did detect excessive methanol levels in Tiger Vodka, a toxic alcohol that can cause severe health issues and death.

Legal action has been initiated against the owner of the Tiger distillery for manufacturing and selling hazardous products and for illegal commercial operations. The operator of the Tiger brand has reportedly denied responsibility. Additionally, the owner and 10 employees of the hostel where the American tourist stayed face charges of evidence destruction for transporting his body to the hospital.

This is because the authorities were not permitted to conduct autopsies on the bodies of the deceased, and therefore lacked the forensic evidence necessary to determine the cause of death.

— Ministry of Public SecurityThe ministry detailed the procedural obstacles in the investigation.

Australia expressed deep frustration with the pace and nature of the investigation. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Canberra is disappointed Laos is not pursuing more serious charges. Australian media reported that Laos intends to press charges carrying up to a year in jail and a fine. Wong plans to discuss Australia's concerns directly with her Laotian counterpart at an upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting.

The Australian government is deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed that authorities in Laos are not pursuing the most serious charges.

— Penny WongAustralia's Foreign Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the Laotian investigation's progress.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Bangkok Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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