Six dead, dozens hospitalised after consuming contaminated alcohol in Bangkok

In Thailand, six people are feared dead and 37 others hospitalised following the consumption of contaminated alcohol, commonly referred to as 'rotgut.' Authorities are investigating the incident, which involved fake alcohol laced with hazardous chemicals like methanol and isopropanol, sold at street stalls in the city.

Thai Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin reported that the affected individuals showed severe symptoms, with 15 requiring respirators, 22 undergoing kidney dialysis, and 21 experiencing blurred vision.

The term 'rotgut' is used to describe low-quality alcohol that may contain toxic substances. In this case, the contaminated alcohol was traced back to the Saphan Sung district of Bangkok.

A 49-year-old woman, who had been selling herbal alcohol for years, has been charged with illegal alcohol production. She claimed her recipe was free from methyl alcohol and expressed regret over the deaths and illnesses caused.

The accused explained that a year ago, she hired two brothers to produce rice whiskey for her. After noticing a change in the liquor's taste, she confronted the brothers, who claimed to have improved the recipe. Despite experiencing minor symptoms herself, she was unaware of the severe consequences until learning of the fatalities.

The two brothers have been arrested and admitted to diluting the moonshine but denied knowledge of how methyl alcohol was introduced. Police Major General Kiatikul Sonthinen stated that the woman faces charges of negligence leading to death and injury, as well as violations of the Excise Act for unlicensed alcohol production and sale.

Authorities are also investigating a factory owner in Samut Prakan province suspected of supplying chemicals to the brothers. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has advised anyone who consumed moonshine from flagged locations to seek medical attention immediately.