In Laos, two young women from Melbourne who fell ill after drinking alcohol mixed with methanol have been taken to hospital in a serious condition.
It is said that these young women, who are believed to be around 19 years old, drank this type of alcohol while traveling with a group of people in Laos.
It is said that two more tourists have died after drinking this poisonous liquor and many others have been hospitalized.
While staying in Laos, these young women went to several liquor stores and after informing the hotel staff that they were sick, they were taken to hospital.
Methanol mixed with the alcohol they drank is considered a liquid chemical used in products including paints, coatings and fuels.
Methanol is often illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol used in alcohol production.
It is said that drinking between 25 and 90 ml of methanol can be fatal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the young Australian victims and their families in Thailand.
