Recent methanol poisonings in Laos have highlighted the risks posed by the illegal alcohol trade in Southeast Asia, especially for Australian tourists. The tragic deaths of Melbourne teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles in Vang Vieng and four other foreign tourists underscore this danger. Jeffrey Hardy, director-general of the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT), notes that illicit alcohol constitutes a significant portion of some markets, with effects extending beyond Southeast Asia to regions like Latin America and India.
He warns that reputable alcohol producers are often powerless against this thriving underground market, which can involve smuggling and unsafe manufacturing practices. Australian travellers are urged to be vigilant, as incidents of methanol poisoning are not isolated; similar tragedies have occurred in Vietnam and Cambodia in recent years.
TRACIT is advocating for stronger government enforcement of alcohol laws and better support for local producers to ensure compliance with health standards. Hardy emphasises that both business owners and governments have a vested interest in preventing the illicit trade from jeopardising the tourism industry. As such, there is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat this pressing issue, particularly in light of the potential consequences for tourism and public health.