Six people have now died as a result of methanol poisoning in Laos: two Danes, one American, one Briton, and two Australians.
Several other tourists, including those from New Zealand and the Netherlands, fell ill and were hospitalized in mid-November.
In a statement published on the Laotian Foreign Ministry's website, they now express "their sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased". According to the department, an investigation will be launched.
According to AFP, several people have been arrested. Among others, the owner of a hostel where several victims stayed has been taken in for questioning.
Vang Vieng is a popular hub for backpackers traveling around Southeast Asia. Several countries have now urged citizens on the move to be cautious about what they drink in Laos.
"Be careful when drinking alcohol, especially cocktails and drinks that contain spirits that may have been adulterated with harmful substances," wrote the Swedish Foreign Ministry on its website earlier in the week.
Methanol is a toxic alcohol used in industrial and household products such as solvents, antifreeze, and paint.
As little as 25 milliliters of methanol can be fatal.
Methanol, which is colorless, is difficult to detect in drinks. It is impossible to see, feel, or taste the difference between regular drinkable spirits in the form of ethanol and the dangerous methanol. But not everyone understands the risks, so in Asia, for example, it is not uncommon for tragedies to occur when cheap methanol is used in drinks.
Criminals are also said to use it in alcohol production to achieve a higher alcohol level at a lower price.
It can take up to 24 hours for victims to start showing signs of methanol poisoning. The symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain that can lead to hyperventilation and breathing difficulties.
