Less than two days after having a drink at a bar in Laos, Calum MacDonald experienced “a blinding kaleidoscopic light”. The 20-something from Surrey was left with permanent vision impairment, the result of methanol poisoning. Now, as the government launches its “Know the Signs” campaign to highlight the risks, MacDonald told BBC Breakfast he was unaware of the danger in 2024 and if he knew “I probably would be in a different situation today”.
Methanol is a highly toxic industrial strength alcohol that can turn up in counterfeit, illegally produced or contaminated alcoholic drinks. As little as 30ml – about a single shot – can kill an adult; smaller amounts can cause blindness or other permanent harm. Twenty-nine destinations now carry methanol poisoning warnings on UK government travel advice, including popular spots such as Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam.
“UK tourist blinded by methanol in Laos as government launches awareness campaign for travellers.”
MacDonald’s warning comes as families mourn others lost to the poison. Margaret McKie’s 38-year-old daughter Kirsty, originally from Stockport, was living in Bali and engaged to a man who owned a wine business and restaurant, so she was careful to buy only from reputable suppliers. But in 2022 she fell ill after drinking. “When Kirsty became ill it didn’t occur to her for a second that [methanol poisoning] was what could be wrong,” McKie told BBC Breakfast. “She was fairly tired, she’d been working hard, she’d had a couple of drinks, she just thought she had a hangover, she didn’t seek help and when she lost consciousness her fiancé got her to the hospital and by that point it was too late to save her.”
McKie argued that people must not only be prevented from consuming methanol-laced alcohol but also understand the symptoms to get help in time. Among the signs: feeling more drunk than usual, a hangover that worsens over 12 to 48 hours, breathlessness, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, vision problems and mental confusion. “Look out for your friends, if you notice a friend who seems more ill, get them help,” she said.
MacDonald echoed the advice. “Enjoy your travel but ultimately it’s really important to have all the information that you possibly can before you do go to these places because I think ultimately it’s very difficult to ultimately eliminate all risk,” he said. “If you have the info…” As thousands of holidaymakers prepare for summer travel, the campaign urges vigilance – a lesson now etched into one man’s sight.