Southeast Asia has the "highest rates of methanol poisoning globally", said Al Jazeera, and this is often blamed on "economic pressures and weak regulations". Laos, despite its increasing popularity with backpackers, is one of the poorest nations in the region.

Several members of staff from a hostel in Laos have reportedly been arrested after six tourists died from a suspected mass poisoning.

The local governor visited the hostel in which some of the victims were staying, promising justice for those responsible.