Australian Tourists Hospitalized After Tainted Drinks in Laos

Two Australian tourists are receiving medical care in Thailand after allegedly consuming contaminated alcohol in Laos, according to Australian media reports. The two 19-year-old women fell ill while on a backpacking trip in the tourist hub of Vang Vieng and were later transferred to hospitals in Bangkok and Udon Thani. After failing to check out from Nana Backpacker Hostel on November 13, they were transported to a hospital through arrangements made by the hostel staff.

The women, along with over 100 other guests, had consumed complimentary Lao vodka shots given by the hostel two days before their hospital visit. The hostel's manager says no other guests reported similar symptoms and that the women went out for the evening after consuming the shots. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is offering support to the women and their families but declined to share additional details citing privacy rules. Officials have not specified what the women drank, but methanol, sometimes used in substandard bars, can cause severe health issues or even be fatal. The hostel manager says the establishment has ceased offering free shots and is eager for the inquiry to exonerate them. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)