Key facts
- Simone White, 28, died in November 2024 in Laos after consuming methanol-tainted shots.
- Her death certificate lists methanol toxicity as a cause of death.
- Five other individuals, including two Australians, two Danes, and an American, also died from methanol poisoning.
- Laos authorities found excessive methanol levels in vodka from a local distillery.
- A distillery owner faces charges related to harmful food products and illegal business operations, but not directly for the deaths.
- Ten individuals received suspended sentences and fines for destruction of evidence.
- Simone's family and friend Bethany Clarke are advocating for increased awareness of methanol dangers through their MethaKnow campaign.
Zak White, brother of Simone White, a British tourist who died in Laos from methanol poisoning, has expressed his deep frustration with the lack of charges directly related to her death. Simone, 28, was among six people who died in November 2024 after consuming free shots believed to be tainted with methanol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng. Her death certificate lists methanol toxicity as a cause of death, a fact Zak finds compelling evidence that authorities have overlooked.
Simone and her friend Bethany Clarke, along with approximately 100 other guests, were given free shots. Both fell ill the following day and were hospitalized. Medical documents confirm methanol was found in Bethany's blood. Zak stated that the conclusion of insufficient evidence felt like a "slap in the face" to him and his parents, questioning why a death certificate listing methanol toxicity was not enough proof.
Laos authorities confirmed finding "excessive levels of methanol" in vodka produced at a local distillery. While a distillery owner faces charges for selling harmful food products and operating an illegal business, these charges do not directly address the deaths. Separately, 10 individuals charged with destruction of evidence received suspended sentences and fines, which Zak described as an "absolute joke."
Simone's family and Bethany Clarke have been campaigning for greater awareness of methanol dangers through their MethaKnow initiative. The UK government has supported this by launching its own awareness campaign and adding warnings for 29 destinations, including Laos, to its travel advice. However, Zak and Bethany feel they have been kept in the dark by the UK government regarding case updates, often relying on information from affected Danish and Australian families.
The hostel, now rebranded as Paradise Hostel, had its listing temporarily removed from Booking.com due to unusual activity in its review section, though a new owner has reportedly taken over. Zak and Bethany believe booking sites should issue warnings about past incidents at such establishments. Methanol poisoning symptoms can range from vomiting and drowsiness to blindness, coma, and convulsions.