Methanol is sometimes added to mixed drinks at disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death. It is also a byproduct of poorly distilled homebrew liquor, and could have found its way into bar drinks inadvertently.

Backpacker hotspot Vang Vieng is in the spotlight following deaths of six tourists from suspected methanol poisoning.

Two Danish backpackers who died in a mass poisoning in Laos messaged a friend to say they had been vomiting blood for hours before they went eerily silent, and were later found deceased.

THE backpacker hostel at the centre of a suspected mass methanol poisoning remained open for over a week after the first ­victim was found dead. Six tourists, including British lawyer Simone

The Laotian government on Saturday officially acknowledged the mass poisoning that has killed at least six tourists, pledging it would bring perpetrators to justice

Six tourists, including Australians and a British woman, died in Laos, likely from methanol poisoning. The U.S. State Department warns travelers about this risk. The Laos government is investigating the incident and expressed condolences to the victims' families.

Laos government has broken its silence, following the deaths of at least 6 tourists, including two Australians.