Britons have been issued a new travel warning as methanol poisoning has become a concern in several Southeast Asian holiday destinations.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has provided new information on methanol poisoning in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
In fresh travel guidance for Thailand, the FCDO told holidaymakers: “Alcoholic drinks containing methanol have killed people and caused serious illness.
“There is a risk of methanol poisoning from home-brewed alcohol or counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands.
Britons in Vietnam should heed the latest safety guidance
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“Affected drinks may include local spirits, including rice wine, spirit-based mixed drinks such as cocktails and counterfeit brand-name spirits.”
Britons were given some guidance on how they can “protect” themselves against this risk in Thailand.
They were advised to buy alcoholic drinks only from licensed liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels, avoid homemade alcoholic drinks, check that bottle seals are intact and check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling.
The FCDO continued: “If the label, smell or taste seems wrong, do not drink the alcohol. These are signs it is illegal and could contain methanol.
“Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning.” The FCDO provides information on medical facilities in Thailand.
TravelHealthPro lists the symptoms of methanol poisoning. Britons were advised: “People, including British travellers, have died or suffered serious illness abroad after drinking alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol.
“Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be similar to those of alcohol poisoning and may include confusion; dizziness; drowsiness or fatigue (feeling very tired); vomiting; changes in vision, including not being able to see, blurred vision or difficulty looking at bright lights; and abdominal and muscle pain.”
Britons planning a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos were also given important guidance on the risk of methanol poisoning. Holidaymakers visiting these countries, in addition to Costa Rica, should consult the FCDO for the latest guidance on staying safe,
Additional information on methanol poisoning in the FCDO’s Laos guidance read: “There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol. Methanol has been used in the manufacture of counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands or illegal local spirits, like vodka. You should take care if offered, particularly for free, or when buying spirit-based drinks. If labels, smell or taste seem wrong then do not drink.
“Methanol is tasteless and odourless. It can rapidly lead to serious illness. Long-term effects may include blindness and permanent damage to the Central Nervous System. Coma and death may occur following substantial exposure.”
This latest travel advice comes as Britons visiting Thailand were issued a warning that breaking a rule could land them with “heavy fines” or prison time.
The FCDO warned Britons: “It is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permissions issued by the authorities.
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The travel advice affects Britons in Cambodia
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“Illegally carrying cannabis, particularly large quantities, can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment in Thailand, the UK and other countries you may travel to.”
For further information on the rules on cannabis in Thailand, plus information on smoking, e-cigarettes, illegal drugs and prison sentences, Britons should consult the FCDO’s official website.
To ensure a safe, well-informed trip, holidaymakers should always read the FCDO’s up-to-date information on their chosen destination.
Britons were recently issued a fresh warning for Canada as an mpox case is confirmed.
