Methanol Cocktails Leave Two Australian Women Critically ill in Thailand

[Lorry]

On 11/19/2024 at 10:56 AM, mokwit said:

Is that possible? Fermentation produces Ethanol only, otherwise you wouldn't be able to drink wine or beer.

Fermentation of fruit also gives you methanol.

Apple liquor, stuff like that. 

 

If it's whiskey containing methanol, the methanol has been added.

[Lorry]

As others have noted, insurance companies will bring almost all patients from Vang Vieng to Udon or Bangkok.

 

Hospitals in Laos are very basic. The one in Vang Vieng is a better one, new, they do have doors, glass windows, an ambulance, they can handle basic stuff - but of course, not an ICU patient. 

 

The transfer to Thailand is often slow. For example,  not every insurance is able to get a helicopter in Laos (there is one).

Methanol intoxication requires fast treatment. If the doctor in Vang Vieng doesn't dare to give iv ethanol (= normal alcohol) - he has no diagnostic means to check for methanol -  and therapy is only started in Bangkok,  the patient probably won't survive.