British travelers have been issued a new travel advisory due to concerns over methanol poisoning in several Southeast Asian destinations.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released updated guidelines regarding methanol poisoning risks in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. In their recent travel guidance for Thailand, the FCDO cautioned travelers: “Alcoholic beverages containing methanol have resulted in fatalities and serious illnesses. There is a risk of methanol poisoning from homemade alcohol or counterfeit versions of well-known brands, which may include local spirits, rice wine, spirit-based mixed drinks such as cocktails, and imitation brand-name spirits.”
To safeguard themselves against this risk, British travelers are advised to purchase alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels. They should avoid homemade alcohol, ensure that bottle seals are intact, and check labels for poor print quality or spelling errors.
The FCDO further advised: “If the label, smell, or taste appears irregular, do not consume the alcohol. These could be indicators that the product is illegal and may contain methanol.”
Immediate medical attention should be sought if you or a travel companion exhibits signs of methanol poisoning. The FCDO provides information on medical facilities in Thailand, and TravelHealthPro outlines the symptoms of methanol poisoning. Travelers should be aware that “individuals, including British nationals, have died or suffered severe illness abroad after consuming alcoholic beverages contaminated with methanol.”
Symptoms of methanol poisoning can mirror those of alcohol poisoning and may include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, vomiting, visual disturbances (such as blurred vision or difficulty with bright lights), and abdominal and muscle pain.
Travelers planning trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are also advised to be vigilant regarding the risk of methanol poisoning. Those visiting these countries, as well as Costa Rica, should refer to the FCDO for the latest safety guidance.
The FCDO’s guidance for Laos adds: “There have been instances of deaths and severe illnesses resulting from alcoholic drinks containing methanol. Methanol has been utilized in the production of counterfeit versions of reputable alcohol brands or illegal local spirits, such as vodka. Exercise caution when offered free drinks or purchasing spirit-based beverages. If labels, smell, or taste appear abnormal, do not consume them.”
Notably, methanol is tasteless and odorless, and it can quickly lead to severe health complications. Long-term effects may include blindness and permanent damage to the central nervous system, with substantial exposure potentially resulting in coma or death.
This latest advisory coincides with warnings issued to British travelers in Thailand regarding strict regulations surrounding cannabis. The FCDO emphasized: “It is illegal to export cannabis from Thailand without the appropriate export permissions from the authorities. Illegally possessing cannabis, particularly in large quantities, may result in significant fines or imprisonment in Thailand, the UK, and other countries you may visit.”
For comprehensive information regarding cannabis regulations in Thailand, as well as details on smoking, e-cigarettes, illegal drugs, and corresponding penalties, British nationals should consult the FCDO’s official website.
To ensure a safe and informed travel experience, holidaymakers are encouraged to review the FCDO’s updated information regarding their intended destinations.
