Indonesia and Laos: Methanol
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with this counterparts in (a) Indonesia and (b) Laos on (i) tackling methanol poisoning and (ii) protecting tourists from (A) counterfeit and (B) contaminated alcohol.
Answered by Catherine West
Following the tragic incident that caused the deaths of 6 people on 14 November 2024, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Laos and Indonesia was updated to warn about the risks of methanol poisoning. We continue to press the local authorities for a full investigation and steps to prevent such contaminated alcohol being sold. Some local Lao brands of alcohol remain restricted from sale. Our Travel Aware campaign will continue to encourage British nationals who are planning to travel abroad to read the latest FCDO travel advice and sign up for e-mail alerts.
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