Demand for Travel Ban on Laos Following Methanol Poisoning Incident
The mother of Simone White, a victim of methanol poisoning in Laos, is urging the UK government to place Laos on a no-travel list. Following the tragedy, Bethany Clarke, Simone’s friend, has joined in campaigning for awareness of methanol poisoning risks and for more stringent safety measures. There are concerns regarding the transparency and adequacy of investigations into the incident, as the authorities released those involved without charges, prompting calls for justice.
The mother of a British lawyer, Simone White, who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, is urging the UK government to categorize the country as a no-travel zone. Simone, aged 28, perished alongside five other travelers in Vang Vieng, a well-known backpacking destination. Their stay at Nana Backpacker Hostel included complimentary shots believed to contain unsafe methanol. This substance, according to the UK Health Security Agency, can lead to severe health issues including coma and death.
Simone was accompanied by her friend Bethany Clarke, who had also traveled from Australia to join her. Bethany, who survived the poisoning but required hospitalization, is collaborating with Sue White to raise awareness about methanol poisoning and to alert travelers to the associated risks in Laos. “The UK should impose a ban on trips to Laos. The Lao authorities are failing to be honest and transparent about what has happened,” Bethany stated.
Calls for travel warnings from the Foreign Office could severely impact British tourism to Laos, as such a warning would likely void most travel insurance policies. Recent reports indicate that no actions will be taken against eleven individuals detained in connection with the poisoning, further troubling victims’ families. “The 11 detainees were released without charge,” Bethany remarked, highlighting a lack of updates provided to the victims’ families during the investigation.
Thavone Siharaj, deputy chief of the Lao Embassy in London, noted that the Lao government has initiated an investigation into the incident to ascertain the cause of the deaths and ensure justice. To date, the owner and employees of the hostel remain uncharged due to insufficient evidence, though they will continue cooperating with authorities.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is in contact with the affected families and has stated that risks associated with methanol poisoning are reflected in the travel advice for affected countries. Currently, the risks associated with methanol and counterfeit alcohol are mentioned in travel guidance for several countries, including Laos. Sue White is now seeking support from political representatives to amplify their campaign for justice and safety in Laos.
In an effort to prevent future tragedies, Bethany and Sue are advocating for the introduction of testing strips to detect the presence of methanol in drinks, as no reliable method currently exists for tourists to assess their safety. The dangers of methanol poisoning are prevalent in popular travel spots, as the substance is virtually tasteless and delivers only a slight odor.
The tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of these travelers highlight the dire need for greater awareness and preventive measures against methanol poisoning in popular tourist destinations.
The unfortunate deaths of Simone White and her fellow travelers due to suspected methanol poisoning in Laos have prompted urgent calls for increased safety measures and travel advisories. Both Sue White and Bethany Clarke are advocating for heightened awareness regarding the dangers of methanol, urging the UK government to impose a travel ban on Laos until appropriate actions are taken. Their efforts also include a push for testing kits to ensure travelers’ safety from such poisonings in the future.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
