Travellers warned of methanol poisoning risks in new campaign
The UK government has launched a campaign to warn travellers about the dangers of methanol poisoning in counterfeit alcohol. The initiative follows several tragic cases, including permanent injuries and deaths among tourists in Southeast Asia.
Why it matters
Methanol poisoning is a life-threatening risk for international travellers, and increased awareness is critical for preventing avoidable fatalities in popular tourist destinations.
Image caption, Calum was travelling in South East Asia before suffering methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos
When Calum MacDonald visited a bar in Laos he experienced "a blinding kaleidoscopic light" permanently impairing his vision, less than two days after having a drink.
He was poisoned by methanol in 2024, and has since joined a UK government campaign , external to raise awareness of the risks that turned his life upside down.
MacDonald, who is in his 20s and from Surrey, told BBC Breakfast he was unaware of the dangers when travelling and if he had known "I probably would be in a different situation today".
Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol that can sometimes be found in counterfeit, illegally produced or contaminated alcoholic drinks.
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