A sad tale about backpackers getting caught up in local problems in Southeast Asia

On November 13th 2024, a tragedy occurred in Vang Vieng, Laos. Six tourists from four countries lost their lives from unknowingly drinking methanol at a popular backpackers’ hostel.Fast forward a year and a half, and charges have been laid against the owner of the distillery…over a $1,000 and just about a month in the big house. Needless to say, many of the grieving families, are less than happy about this.Meanwhile, the Laotian government has been relatively non-plussed. We talk about why this is exactly and the context surrounding this sad incident.Would the Laotian government have taken a different action had the tourists been from different countries? Shoot us an email and let us know: [email protected] for more background info? We covered this WAAAAAY back in 2024 focusing on travel safety in Southeast Asia.Thanks for listening and all the best from both of us,Dave + Gav