This is a serious public health incident in Bangkok. Eighteen stalls selling herbal liqueurs in six areas of the city have been shut down after their products were found to be contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance that can cause severe health issues and even death. The contamination led to the death of one person and left several others hospitalized, with one person currently in a coma.
The case came to light after reports surfaced that 21 people were rushed to hospitals between August 22 and 25, suffering from methanol poisoning in the Min Buri, Klongsamwa, and Saphan Sung districts. Following the spike in hospital admissions, the police and the Medical Services Department conducted inspections of the stalls selling herbal liqueurs in these areas. The inspections revealed that the products were contaminated with methanol, and authorities identified a factory in the Saphan Sung area as the suspected source of the contaminated products.
People are being warned to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, or suddenly blurred vision after consuming these liqueurs, as these could be signs of methanol poisoning.
This incident highlights the dangers of unregulated or improperly produced alcohol and the importance of strict monitoring to prevent such tragedies.