What's happened
Six tourists, including two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton, and two Australians, died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning after a night out on November 12. Authorities have detained the manager and staff of the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng as investigations continue into the incident.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the Laotian government expressed its condolences and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the deaths. The report highlights that the manager and staff of the Nana Backpacker Hostel have been detained for questioning. The Independent adds that the government is committed to bringing those responsible to justice, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post notes that both UK and Australian authorities have warned their citizens about the risks of methanol poisoning in Laos, indicating a broader concern for tourist safety in the region.
How we got here
The incident occurred in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination in Laos known for its party culture. The area has faced scrutiny in the past due to safety concerns related to alcohol consumption and drug use among tourists.
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.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.