Contaminated Food May Have Killed Canadian Sisters: Phi Phi Island

[webfact]

Contaminated food may have killed Canadian sisters

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Public Health officials were dispatched to Phi Phi Island yesterday to help local officials work out why two Canadian sisters died in their hotel last week.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri said officials from the Epidemiology and Occupational and Environmental Diseases Bureaux were assigned to survey environmental conditions for possible contamination in order to determine the cause of death, so local people and foreign countries would have fewer concerns.

The bodies of Audrey and Noemi Belanger, aged 20 and 26, from Quebec province, were found on Friday by hotel staff on Phi Phi Island in Krabi province.

Dr Pornthep Siriwanarangsan, head of the Disease Control Department, said the initial investigation in the room found a large quantity of vomit and faeces. There was evidence of bleeding and their nails had turned black, probably caused by internal bleeding.

"We planned to send the bodies for post mortem at Surat Thani Hospital because Krabi Hospital has no forensic doctor. However, so far, we have been unable to move them because their relatives and the Canadian Embassy representative who came to Krabi did not allow us to do so," the director said.

Meanwhile, Pol Col Wissawa Sanehha of Phi Phi police, said the initial investigation found that the sisters had visited a bar on the island the night before having a meal at a restaurant on the beach.

Dr Komkrit Phukrittayakami, director of Krabi Hospital, said that from the condition of the bodies, it was likely the deaths were caused by contaminated food, but an autopsy would be required to discover whether this was seafood, mushrooms or chemical substances.

Wiyada Srirangkul, director of the Tourism Authority Krabi office, said tourism in the province did not appear to have been affected by the incident because the cause of death was still not known.

However, if it were found that the young women died because of contaminated food, the image of the area would inevitably be affected.

-- The Nation 2012-06-19

Mysterious Death of Canadian Sisters Poisonous Mushroom Suspected

The two Canadians Miss Noemi Balenger, 26, and her sister, Miss Audrey, 20, we're found dead in their room on Phi Phi Palm Resident on Phi Phi island on June 15. The case is under investigation. Next post mortem examination in Bangkok.

KRABI – June 17, 2012 [PDN]; Pol.Maj.Gen.Jamroon Ruenrom- commissioner of Krabi police conducted a forensic investigation of room #103. The police did not find any trace of violence but found several pills in the room. Including Ibuprofen an anti-inflammatory drug which should be taken with precaution and should not be mixed with alcohol.

Pol.Maj.Gen.Jamroon could not conclude the cause of their death, they have to wait for the autopsy at the Royal Thai Police hospital in Bangkok.

There are many pubs that serves a popular cocktail which is made from mushrooms. A tourist said that there were special mushrooms on the menu on Pangan island and Samui island and and also on Phi Phi island. Local name is “Khee Kwai ” or magic mushroom, which is popular among tourists. When consumed, this kind of mushroom will cause heavy intoxication.

Source: http://www.pattayadailynews.com/en/2012/06/19/mysterious-death-of-canadian-sisters-poisonous-mushroom-suspected/

-- Pattaya Daily News 2012-06-19

[theblether]

Answers please.......just answers. This is a diabolical torture for their families, get the pathologists in and find out, now. Fly in Canadian pathologists to assist.

We can do without conspiracy theories, just answers.

Please.

[Yunla]

foreign countries would have fewer concerns.

Thats the only thing I picked up in this story, since imho this is the reason for the food-poisoning angle. Food poisoning implies complicity to a certain extent, the tourist should have been more careful and wary about where they ate etc. I'm not buying it. Unless it is a new super-bacteria making its debut to the world.

[steffi]

foreign countries would have fewer concerns.

Thats the only thing I picked up in this story, since imho this is the reason for the food-poisoning angle. Food poisoning implies complicity to a certain extent, the tourist should have been more careful and wary about where they ate etc. I'm not buying it. Unless it is a new super-bacteria making its debut to the world.

This is how Thai investigations always start. They immediately start speculating to justify not going after the main causes. Especially when there is neglect involved.

[Hockeybik]

Did anyone else eat at the same restaurant as the girls? Or were they the only two patrons? Can anyone chime in on a food poisoning that is this dramatic? I'm sure some exist but on Phi Phi? And only these two? But... it's a good thing that tourism hasn't been affected...

[Kilgore Trout]

However, if it were found that the young women died because of contaminated food, the image of the area would inevitably be affected.

Thats why whatever the real cause, this will never, ever be the official line.

[noitom]

The Canadian embassy should send a "private' forensic doctor to do an 'official" autopsy.

[clockman]

Remember Down Town Inn, Chiang Mai. There only concern is loss of money. And this is a so called Buddhist country!

[theblether]

Yes the Canadian authorities should step in and at the very least ensure the integrity of the bodies is preserved so that they can be fully tested back in Canada.

We could be doing without another whitewash, I reckon another whitewash would be worse than the truth, whatever that may be.

[Curt1591]

I would hit the bar and test their booze.

[asiawatcher]

A simple internet search will reveal food poisoning is highly unlikely from the symptoms described here. Similarly as also posted, surely more than these two girls ate at that restaurant/bar?

[canuckamuck]

To me contaminated food implies something there that shouldn't be, but it also may mean food gone bad. It is hard to tell when we get just the translation.

I believe the embassy is already involved. there was mention on the other thread of consular officials not allowing the transport of the body from Krabi to Bangkok.

I have doubts on food allergies, you don't just head back to your room and suffer the onset of something you know is life threatening. And you would know the signs.

Something got into their system in a deadly amount, but we aren't going to figure it out here with guesses based on a lifetime of watching medical mystery and crime shows.

The best we can hope for is compliance between Thailand and Canada for a thorough and transparent investigation, as unlikely as that sounds.

[eezergood]

I would be looking into the "bathtub" booze they probably served them! Such a tragedy

[Thai at Heart]

Methanol poisoning

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Airway and lungs
  
  • Breathing difficulty
    
  • No breathing
    

  [*]Eyes

  • Blindness
    
  • Blurred vision
    
  • Dilation of the pupils
    

  [*]Heart and blood

  • Convulsions
    
  • Low blood pressure
    

  [*]Nervous system

  • Agitated behavior
    
  • Coma
    
  • Dizziness
    
  • Headache
    
  • Seizures
    

  [*]Skin and nails

  • Bluish-colored lips and fingernails
    

  [*]Stomach and intestines

  • Abdominal pain (severe)
    
  • Diarrhea
    
  • Liver function problems
    
  • Nausea
    
  • Pancreatitis
    
  • Vomiting
    

  [*]Other

  • Fatigue
    
  • Leg cramps
    
  • Weakness
    

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/poison/methanol-overdose/overview.html

Maybe someone has been messing with the booze in the bars?????

[steffi]

The contaminated food theory doesn't hold very well if you consider that only these 2 got sick.

[Soutpeel]

Methanol poisoning

Why only two victims then ?

1. We have a serial killer

2. People eating puffer fish

3. rat poison

4. Arsenic

etc etc etc....

If any family members are reading some of the drivel posted on this subject.....it must be really causing them distress

I beleive the only conclusion that can be stated with any certain fact is that thai officials will attempt to cover up exactly what happend if it paints Thailand in a bad light and affects their "tourism"

[Thai at Heart]

Ever bothered to order a vodka or a gin and tonic in a Thai beach bar? It isn't the most frequently drunk drink. Most people stick to beers and whiskeys, because ordinarily it is a. expensive, and b. there is never any tonic.

Symptoms seem to fit, and it can be extremely toxic, very very fast, and produce the type of coma/paralysis that would explain why they didn't even attempt to get out of the room for help.

I believe beyond a doubt that someone poisoned them accidentally or more worryingly intentionally. On the basis that an intentional poisoning is an extremely serious issue, the odds that someone had a dodgy bottle of some weird spirit behind the shelf that no one ever drinks that is as likely as anything else.

As for the family, my heart goes out to them, and I truly hope that someone gets to the bottom of this.

[Galong]

Whatever the cause, tourists need to stop going to Phi Phi. The obvious lack of regulation in the food industry and the total lack of concern over the environmental impact of having literally hundreds of tourists visit that small area each day hardly makes it a worthwhile place to spend any time.

You couldn't pay me to go there.

[craigt3365]

These things take time. You can't figure this out over night. Dr. Pornthep is a very good doc and will get to the bottom of it, hopefully.

But out of respect to the families, please show some respect on this thread.

[Thai at Heart]

These things take time. You can't figure this out over night. Dr. Pornthep is a very good doc and will get to the bottom of it, hopefully.

But out of respect to the families, please show some respect on this thread.

They should insist on a foreign autopsy. Pornthip will provide whatever answer protects Thai tourism the best.

[ttelise]

Mysterious Death of Canadian Sisters Poisonous Mushroom Suspected

Seriously, they are trying to imply the girls got what they deserved by ordering something to get them high. They pretty much suck as they apparently have nothing to back that up from a forensic stand point. Maybe I am reading it wrong, by implying they took drugs without any further proof is more spin and deflection. I wonder if their discussion focus more on what story sounds the best as opposed to what can we do to stop this from happening again.

That coupled with they should not drink taking motrin and anti inflamatories just rubs me wrong.

[Soutpeel]

Pol.Maj.Gen.Jamroon Ruenrom- commissioner of Krabi police conducted a forensic investigation of room #103. The police did not find any trace of violence but found several pills in the room. Including Ibuprofen an anti-inflammatory drug which should be taken with precaution and should not be mixed with alcohol.

A policeman handing out medical advice......a simple search on internet shows:

While it is generally safe to take ibuprofen and drink alcohol, it is highly recommended that you limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking any medication, especially ibuprofen. Alcohol can irritate your stomach and intestinal tract, and taking ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, for an extended period of time can also lead to stomach and intestinal irritation, as well as ulcers and potential bleeding problems"

Instead of all the speculation about Ibuprofen, Magic mushrooms and serial killers, should the police not wait until an autopsy is completed....as publishing stuff like this make them look more incompetant than normal...

[Soutpeel]

Seriously, they are trying to imply the girls got what they deserved by ordering something to get them high. They pretty much suck as they apparently have nothing to back that up from a forensic stand point. Maybe I am reading it wrong, by implying they took drugs without any further proof is more spin and deflection. I wonder if their discussion focus more on what story sounds the best as opposed to what can we do to stop this from happening again.

Of course this is the Thai BiB way.....there is no proof they even got high or drank alcohol.....just the normal speculation and BS from the BiB.

The BiB are going to decide on a root cause, which does not "harm" Thailand and the almightly toursit dollar and then "develop evidence" to support this...throw enough sh*t out eventually some will stick...

[londonthai]

"Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri said officials from the Epidemiology and Occupational and Environmental Diseases Bureaux were assigned to survey environmental conditions for possible contamination"

something else, than food poisoning, is on the cards. The ministry wouldn't send their team to deal with food, but are suspecting something more dangerous

[Kilgore Trout]

I wonder if their discussion focus more on what story sounds the best as opposed to what can we do to stop this from happening again.

Does this question even need to be asked?

What is the most logical concern the authorities have on the matter?

a. the safety and well being of tourists

b. real desire to solve the mystery and find answers

c. save thailand from embarrassment at any cost even if the cause is because of their own doing and/or negligence

As statistics show, the correct answer is usually "c"

[geriatrickid]

Now Dr. Pornthip states that the nails are black. The initial report said fingers and nails were blue. The CBC website makes reference to an interview with a local journalist. (In keeping with Thai Visa rules, I will not mention the newspaper).This gentleman has a slightly different version.

I also understand that the vomit was restricted to the room's garbage can with some associated splattering. This is much different than the initial reports that gave the impression the room was coated in vomit. The Phuket Gazette offered this;

There was a lot of vomit in the room, and both bodies showed similar signs [of trauma]. They had skin lesions and it seemed that they had bled from the gums. Also, their fingernails and toenails were blue,” Col Rat explained.

Is it any wonder, that people have no confidence in the authorities to manage an investigation?

As I first wrote, initial reports are often contradicted by reports from responsible competent parties and by independent observers. Stating the obvious, I know. The initial reports also show some exageration that only acts to encourage people to come up with multiple silly theories.

I have one piece of advice to the family and the Canadian embassy. Get the body out of Thailand as quickly as possible and send it to the specialized provincial forensics lab back in Quebec. Don't let the Thais bugger up the evidence. Every major crime investigation involving a foreigner where a proper autopsy and fluid analysis is required appears to have been botched when left to the Thais. If they want the truth, do the work elsewhere.

(As a piece of trivia, Quebec was the site of the first police forensics laboratory in North America.)

[moe666]

The usual here as has happened in the pass with these cases, Give it a rest boys and girls when the final analysts comes out the truth will be known until then you are all just passing gas.

[Soutpeel]

the final analysts comes out the truth will be known until then you are all just passing gas.

Or somebodies version of the "truth" at least...

[shawndoc]

Is it just me, or were they trying to imply that Ibuprofin (Advil) was some sort of exotic and dangerous drug?

[Gary A]

This goes a lot deeper than food poisoning. We will likely never know for sure. If a restaurant had seriously contaminated food, there would be more victims than just the girls.