Bar Deaths Spark Fear Among Backpackers Over Tainted Alcohol

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Mounting concern over methanol poisoning is reshaping drinking habits among backpackers in Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Thailand, a popular destination for young travellers.

 

Known for its budget-friendly travel, vibrant hostels, and bustling nightlife in places like Bangkok and Phuket, the region has witnessed a rise in reports of alcohol-related fatalities, prompting increased caution among tourists.

 

Recent incidents, such as the tragic deaths of six tourists in Laos due to methanol-laced free shots, have underscored the dangers of tainted alcohol.

 

The victims included young Australians from Melbourne, which resonates deeply with other travellers, like Celeste Evans and Max Nikolovski, who are revisiting their drinking practices while travelling, particularly in popular spots in Thailand.

 

Methanol, often used as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, is a dangerous substance found in some bootleg alcoholic beverages. Even small quantities can cause severe health effects, including nausea, drowsiness, blindness, and death. With symptoms potentially taking up to 48 hours to manifest, detecting and preventing poisoning becomes challenging.

In response to growing concerns, many backpackers in Thailand are now opting for sealed, reputable brands of alcohol and sticking to drinks purchased from reliable sources, such as duty-free stores. Some travellers have adopted safety measures, like asking bar staff to taste-test their drinks, to mitigate the risk of consuming hazardous substances.

 

This heightened caution is transforming the nature of traditional hostel activities across Thailand, such as organised pub crawls and the customary free shots offered to party-goers in lively areas. These events, once highlights of the backpacker experience, are now approached with trepidation.

 

Hostels in Thailand remain pivotal for backpacker culture, offering a social space to connect with fellow travellers. However, the threat of methanol poisoning is forcing backpackers to balance safety with their social interactions.

 

As Max Nikolovski pointed out, the awareness of potential dangers has altered the dynamics of the once carefree backpacking adventure in Thailand and beyond, turning alcohol from a tool for social bonding into a source of anxiety and vigilance.

 

In Thailand, recognising the importance of responsible and informed consumption is becoming an essential part of ensuring a safe travel experience as young tourists seek to enjoy their journeys without compromising their wellbeing, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-03

 

 

[dinsdale]

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

Methanol, often used as a cheaper alternative to ethanol,

As previously stated on this topic IMO the most likely cause was poor distillation processes in which the methanol was not effectively removed.

[Ralf001]

13 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

As previously stated on this topic IMO the most likely cause was poor distillation processes in which the methanol was not effectively removed.

 

Should be no methanol at all I would have thought in the distilling process.

 

Ethanol on the other hand.

[Dcheech]

10 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Should be no methanol at all I would have thought in the distilling process.

There is methanol. Although the exact amount probably depends on the mash & other factors. An old Scottish maxim was tossing the 'heads and tails'. Throwing out the beginning and the ending of a distillation run, because it had, or could have, a higher methanol content. 

Bootleggers rarely care about safety, especially if they are not selling for repeat business. 🫤 

[rocksniffer]

Another possibility. Methanol is an industrial chemical, it is used to make paint, plastic, and other products. It may be stolen and sold to bootleggers. 

[Ralf001]

30 minutes ago, rocksniffer said:

Another possibility. Methanol is an industrial chemical, it is used to make paint, plastic, and other products. It may be stolen and sold to bootleggers. 

 

also sold as race fuel to drag racers.

[Nickcage49]

Sealed bottles. A good move, but not guaranteed.

[JustThisOnePostOnly]

As usual, beer is the answer.

[Peterphuket]

2 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Should be no methanol at all I would have thought in the distilling process.

 

Ethanol on the other hand.

That's right, learned earlier the M of Methanol is the M of Murder.

[lordgrinz]

You're more likely to die from the illegal chemicals sprayed on the "organic" produce you eat, but tainted alcohol makes for better headlines.

[BangkokReady]

Amazing Thailand.  Which will get you first, the dodgy booze or the psycho bouncers?!!

[dinsdale]

4 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Should be no methanol at all I would have thought in the distilling process.

 

Ethanol on the other hand.

 

[black tabby12345]

They better consume only securely sealed factory-made drinks(bottles/cans) if they care about their life and health.

Don't jump on Anything and Everything that is "Free".

Being too cheap for what they take to their mouth, could come with fatal consequences....