What's happened
Six tourists, including British lawyer Simone White, have died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming tainted drinks. The incident occurred in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacking destination. Authorities have detained several individuals, but no charges have been filed yet.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Jessica Murray from The Guardian, the family of Simone White expressed their devastation, stating she was a 'beautiful, kind and loving daughter.' The BBC reported that White was one of six tourists who died after drinking alcohol suspected to be laced with methanol in Vang Vieng. The law firm Squire Patton Boggs, where White worked, mourned her loss, emphasizing her bright future and the impact she had on her colleagues. The Associated Press noted that several individuals have been detained in connection with the case, although no charges have been filed yet.
How we got here
The incident in Vang Vieng has raised concerns about the safety of alcoholic beverages in tourist hotspots. Reports indicate that the victims consumed drinks believed to be laced with methanol, a toxic substance often used in industrial applications.
More on these topics
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Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is the only landlocked country of the Indochinese peninsula and Southeast Asia. Clockwise from North, Laos is bordered China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar.
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Vang Vieng is a tourist-oriented town in Laos in Vientiane Province about four hours bus ride north of the capital. The town lies on the Nam Song River. The most notable feature of the area is the karst topography surrounding the town.