Six people died, and dozens were injured in Bangkok after drinking toxic chemicals in a city holiday hotspot. The victims reportedly drank moonshine bought from street vendors that contained methanol and isopropanol. The consumers quickly suffered symptoms including dizziness, vomiting, and breathing struggles, that killed six and hospitalized dozens. Fifteen people were placed on respirators to help them breathe, while others have lost their sight or required dialysis for kidney failure.
Thai authorities report that the source of the poisoning may be a woman named Phatrasa, who has produced herbal liquors in the city for many years. She denies all responsibility and said she has never encountered any comparable problems. Phatrasa inherited the drink recipe from her father and insists it contains only natural and herbal ingredients.
Nevertheless, she explained at an August press conference that she hired two new staff members last year who would develop a rice whisky for her company. She said initial batches of the whisky were “normal,” but some customers later complained about the taste. She approached the newly hired brewers, who assured her they would make improvements. The 49-year-old woman has been charged with illegal production of alcohol, negligently causing death and severe injury to others, and violating the Excise Act by producing and selling liquor without permission.
Surasak Insam and his brother, Surachai Insam, have reportedly confessed to “diluting” moonshine but insist that they do not know how the fatal toxins ended up in their drinks. Police have launched an investigation into a factory in the Samut Prakan province that had allegedly sold chemicals to the brothers. Police Major General Kiatikul Sonthinen told reporters that inquiries are ongoing.
Scientists describe methanol as a “toxic alcohol” that is found in several household and industrial products. The National Library of Medicine describes it as “extremely dangerous” if ingested by humans – almost always resulting in fatalities. It is commonly used as a suicide method.
Isopropanol is a clear, colorless, and odorless substance typically found in hand sanitizers and rubbing alcohol. It is not as menacing as methanol, and ingestion rarely causes death but can lead to significant health problems, particularly in the liver and kidneys.
