Aussie man’s terrifying warning as teens fight for life in Thailand after suspected methanol poisoning

 An Australian man has sounded the alarm after a group of teenagers was hospitalized in Thailand, suspected of suffering from methanol poisoning after consuming contaminated alcohol.

The teens, all in their late teens to early 20s, were reportedly celebrating at a local bar when they consumed what they believed to be legitimate alcoholic beverages. Hours later, they began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting, confusion, blurred vision, and difficulty breathing. Two of the group are currently fighting for their lives in intensive care.

Methanol poisoning occurs when improperly distilled or counterfeit alcohol contains dangerously high levels of methanol, a toxic byproduct of fermentation. It is often added to increase potency in cheap, unregulated alcohol sold in parts of Southeast Asia.

The Australian man, who asked to remain anonymous, said he witnessed the group drinking at the bar and later helped them seek medical attention. “This is a serious issue that needs more awareness,” he said. “You think you’re buying a safe drink, but it can cost you your life.”

Local authorities in Thailand are investigating the incident, and the bar where the drinks were purchased has been temporarily shut down. Health officials are urging tourists to avoid unsealed or unverified alcohol and stick to trusted establishments.

This tragedy follows numerous warnings from Australian travel advisories about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol in the region. Travelers are reminded to:

• Avoid drinks from unknown or unverified sources.
• Be cautious of cocktails mixed with spirits from unsealed bottles.
• Monitor symptoms after drinking and seek medical help immediately if feeling unwell.

The teenagers’ families have flown to Thailand and are receiving consular support from the Australian government. This incident serves as a grim reminder for tourists to exercise caution and be aware of the risks associated with unregulated alcohol.