Eighth death in Bangkok methanol poisoning crisis

The eighth victim of the deadly methanol poisoning cluster has died, with five others still on ventilators. This latest casualty was in critical condition from the moment of hospitalisation yesterday, September 2.

The situation was reported by the Department of Medical Services and the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, revealing a total of 44 patients affected by the methanol poisoning in Bangkok.

Among the 44 patients, eight have died, six are still undergoing treatment, and 30 have recovered. Out of the six currently hospitalised, five are on ventilators.

The distribution of patients across various hospitals is as follows: Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital has one patient in critical condition, one in moderate condition, and one in stable condition. Rajavithi Hospital has one patient in critical condition, reported KhaoSod.

Lerdsin Hospital has one patient in critical condition, and Chiang Kham Hospital has one patient in critical condition. The latest fatality occurred at Kasemrad Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, involving a patient who was already in severe condition upon arrival.

Police are still investigating the alarming rise in methanol poisoning cases linked to homemade alcohol in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa district.

On August 28, at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, Pairoj Suratnawanich, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, confirmed that 22 patients are currently receiving treatment for suspected methanol poisoning. Among these, two new patients were admitted with severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing.

Investigations have revealed that some patients consumed harmful alcohol from different sources, not associated with the initially identified 18 locations. Five new clusters have been identified at Nikhom Lat Krabang Market (two clusters), Suwinthawong, Maruay Market, and Ram Inthra 44.

Police are examining potential links to Phatrasa, also known as Je Pu, a producer and mixer of the homemade liquor, and two other suspects, 46 year old Surasak (Es), and 44 year old Surachai (Art), owners of a white liquor factory.