Following the deaths of at least six foreign tourists in Laos from suspected tainted alcohol poisoning, the Canadian government has issued a travel warning, urging Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting the Southeast Asian country. The warning follows several recent tragedies involving methanol-adulterated alcohol, specifically in the popular tourist destination of Vang Vieng.
The advisory cautions travelers about the risks associated with consuming alcohol in Laos, recommending that tourists remain vigilant, avoid accepting free or extremely cheap drinks, and only purchase alcohol in sealed bottles from reputable stores. If symptoms of illness arise after drinking, authorities urge seeking immediate medical assistance. Canadian tourists are also warned about drug-laced food items in Laos, such as “happy pizzas” or “special shakes,” which may contain opiates or other unknown substances, posing serious health risks.
An official from Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office stated that several suspects have been detained in connection with the case, though no formal charges have been filed yet. The victims include travelers from Australia, the United States, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. This tragic incident has further raised concerns over the safety of certain food and beverages sold in Laos, often in areas heavily frequented by foreign tourists.
Canadians planning to visit Laos are strongly encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution to ensure their safety.
Source:Swifteradio.com