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The Australian The government has issued a warning to travelers following the decision by authorities in Laos to ban the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey following the deaths of six tourists, including teenagers from Melbourne Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles.
SmartTraveller has today issued updated travel advice warning Australians in Laos to avoid consuming the product due to “serious safety concerns”.
The bodies of Bowles and Jones were returned home Australia after they died a week ago in separate hospitals in neighboring Thailand, where they were transferred to more intensive treatment after suffering methanol poisoning.
READ MORE: What is methanol and why could it be in tourists’ drinks?
The two 19-year-olds had free injections at the Nana Backpackers hostel where they were staying, in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination in northern Laos, before going out drinking in other bars the night before they were found ill.
“Several foreign nationals, including Australians, were victims of methanol poisoning in November 2024 through the consumption of alcoholic beverages,” SmartTraveller’s updated advisory said.
“Be aware of the potential risks, especially with alcoholic beverages, including cocktails.”
Current advice from the Australian government is to generally observe normal security precautions in Laos, while higher levels apply in some areas, including Xaisomboun and Bokeo provinces.
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