The father of one of the Australian teens fighting for their lives in hospital after suffering suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has thanked people for the love and support they have been shown.
Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, are currently in separate hospitals in Thailand.
Holly's father Shaun Bowles, who has been at his daughter's bedside in Bangkok with her mother, told 9News that she was still battling for her life.
"Our daughter remains in the intensive care unit in a critical condition. She's on life support," he said.
"We would just like to thank everyone back home for all the support and love."
Jones' family also gave an update in a statement yesterday afternoon.
They said she is also on life support but in a hospital in Udon Thani, which is about eight hours away from where her friend is being cared for.
"Our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support that have come from across Australia," the statement read.
"This is every parent's nightmare, and we want to ensure no other family is forced to endure the anguish we are going through. We hope the authorities can get to the bottom of what happened as soon as possible."
The two best friends were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, where they drank before going to the Jaidee bar on November 11.
The pair did not leave their dorm for 24 hours and reported feeling unwell. They failed to check out as scheduled, and hostel staff were alerted. According to 9News, they took the teens to a hospital on the back of a motorcycle one by one.
Two other travellers have died, and at least a dozen others were reportedly hospitalised after also drinking the substance.
Travel advice for Kiwis
Since the girl's condition made headlines around the world, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has updated its advisory for the country — and also said a Kiwi in Laos "may" have suffered methanol poisoning.
"The New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok (which has responsibility for Laos) has been contacted by one New Zealander who was unwell and may be a victim of methanol poisoning," a MFAT spokesperson said yesterday afternoon. The ministry confirmed the New Zealander was in Laos.
"We have updated our travel advisory for Laos to note that there have been several cases of suspected methanol poisoning after consuming alcoholic drinks.
"Travellers are advised to be cautious about consuming alcoholic beverages, particularly cocktails and drinks made with spirits that may have been adulterated with harmful substances.
"Know the signs of methanol poisoning and seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected."
Tourists warned to take extra precautions
In Laos, Nana Backpacker Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan said the women had joined more than 100 other guests for free shots of vodka, which the hostel offered as a gesture of hospitality, AP reported.
He said hostel staff were told by other guests that the women were unwell after they failed to check out as planned on November 13, and they arranged transport to a hospital.
He said no other guests reported any issue, adding that the women had then gone for a night out and returned in the early hours of the morning.
Toan hoped the investigation would clear the hostel of blame, but for now, the venue had stopped offering free shots to guests.
Methanol is usually found in products like paint, fuel, and cosmetics, bus is somtimes illegally added to alcohol as a cheal alternative to ethanol.
- Additional reporting by AAP
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