Campaign for Travel Ban to Laos Following Suspected Methanol…

The mother and friend of a woman who died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning are calling for the UK government to place Laos on a travel no-go list. Six fatalities are linked to tainted alcohol at a hostel, prompting increased awareness and demands for travel warnings. The Lao government’s response to the incident has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

The mother and companion of a British woman who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos are advocating for the UK government to prohibit travel to the country. Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from London, tragically passed away alongside five other tourists, including two Australians, two Danes, and an American, while visiting Vang Vieng, a renowned destination for backpackers in Southeast Asia.

The group was staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which allegedly provided free alcoholic shots believed to contain methanol, a substance linked to severe health consequences such as coma, blindness, and death. Bethany Clarke, who traveled with Ms. White, also fell ill but has since recovered. Both women, led by Ms. White’s mother Sue, are seeking to raise awareness about methanol poisoning and urge the Foreign Office to issue travel warnings for Laos.

Clarke expressed her concerns, stating, “The UK should impose a ban on trips to Laos. The Lao authorities are failing to be honest and transparent about what’s happened.” Such a travel warning would invalidate most insurance policies for Britons, making Laos less accessible to tourists.

Reports indicate no action will be taken against eleven individuals arrested in relation to this incident. Clarke revealed, “We found out that the 11 detainees were released without charge.” Further, she mentioned a lack of communication from the authorities regarding the investigation.

A spokesperson for the Lao Embassy in London, Thavone Siharaj, confirmed that they are cooperating with investigations but cited insufficient evidence to extend the detention of the hostel staff. The statement highlighted that the Lao government aims to investigate the deaths thoroughly and ensure justice.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated it is assisting Ms. White’s family while maintaining active communication with local authorities. Hamish Falconer, the junior Foreign Office minister, noted that risks associated with methanol poisoning are included in travel advisories for several countries, including Laos.

Sue White, seeking support from politicians such as Laura Trott, emphasized the challenges in attaining justice for her daughter’s untimely death. Methanol poisoning is particularly dangerous because the substance lacks taste and has a minimal odor, making it difficult to ascertain contamination in beverages.

To combat this issue, Clarke and White are advocating for the development of testing strips for travelers to detect methanol in drinks, as currently, there are no reliable methods for assessing its presence.

In summary, the grieving mother and friend of a British woman who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos are urging the UK government to impose travel restrictions to the country. Their campaign highlights the dangers of methanol, the lack of transparency from Lao authorities, and the need for preventative measures for travelers. Without appropriate vigilance and preventative tools, the ongoing risks of methanol poisoning in popular travel destinations remain a serious concern.

Original Source: www.inkl.com