Whisky business: Methanol madness in khlong sam wa, Bangkok

A rise in methanol poisoning cases linked to illegal herbal whisky in Khlong Sam Wa has led to increased concern. Four deaths have been reported, with two more individuals falling seriously ill, bringing the total number of affected patients to 35.

The Department of Disease Control and the Department of Medical Services, under the Ministry of Public Health, reported today that the number of patients suffering from methanol poisoning has risen by two, totalling 35 cases. The number of deaths remains steady at four.

So far, nine people have recovered, while 22 are still undergoing treatment. Of these, 16 are on ventilators, and an additional seven are receiving intubation. Dialysis is being administered to 23 patients, and six people are undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, reported KhaoSod.

The affected individuals are being treated across various hospitals in Bangkok. Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital is treating 15 patients, Nawamin 9 Hospital has 11 patients, Rajavithi Hospital is looking after two patients, and Seriruk Hospital, Lerdsin Hospital, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Kasemrad Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, Sirindhorn Hospital, and Vejkarunrasmi Hospital are each treating one patient.

A cluster of severe methanol poisoning cases has emerged in Bangkok after 21 people fell ill after consuming counterfeit alcoholic beverages, leading to one death and several others in critical condition.

The incident began when patients started showing symptoms of severe acidosis from drinking fake alcohol containing methanol. The products were traced to two shops located in Soi Hathairat and Khlong Sam Wa. Symptoms in affected individuals started appearing on August 22.

The Khlong Sam Wa District Office has since issued a public warning on August 24, urging those who have consumed alcohol, herbal liquor, or herbal liquor tonics and are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, or vomiting, to seek medical attention immediately.

The warning specifically targeted residents in the Hathairat Road, Sam Wa Road, and Charoen Phatthana Road areas, as well as the surrounding regions within Khlong Sam Wa and Min Buri districts.