A popular tourist destination in Bangkok has become the site of a tragic incident after six people died and 37 others were hospitalized from consuming counterfeit alcohol. The victims, including tourists, were reported to have purchased the dangerous concoction from street vendors in the bustling Thai capital.
Authorities have launched an urgent investigation into the incident, uncovering that the fake alcohol, known locally as “rotgut,” was mixed with lethal chemicals such as methanol and isopropanol. These toxic substances are often used to adulterate low-quality alcohol, making it extremely hazardous for consumption.
Thai Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that 15 of the hospitalized individuals are currently on respirators, with 22 others requiring kidney dialysis. Additionally, 21 victims have reported blurred vision, a common symptom of severe alcohol poisoning. As of Tuesday, August 27, eight people had been discharged from the hospital, but the condition of many others remains critical.
The fake alcohol was traced back to a location in the Saphan Sung district of Bangkok. A 49-year-old woman named Phatrasa has been arrested and charged on suspicion of illegal alcohol production. Phatrasa, who claimed she had been selling herbal alcohol for decades without issue, expressed remorse for the deaths, stating that she never intended to harm anyone.
According to her statement at a press conference on August 26, she had hired two brothers, Surasak Insam, 46, and Surachai Insam, 44, to produce rice whiskey for her. Phatrasa noted that recent batches of the liquor had an altered taste, which her customers described as weaker and fizzier. Despite her suspicions and a personal experience of mild illness after tasting the latest batch, she was shocked to learn that her product had resulted in fatalities.
The Insam brothers have allegedly admitted to diluting the moonshine but claim ignorance as to how the alcohol became contaminated with methanol. They have also been arrested, and authorities are now investigating a factory owner in Samut Prakan province who allegedly supplied the chemicals used in the dangerous brew.
Police Major General Kiatikul Sonthinen, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 3, confirmed that Phatrasa will face charges for negligently causing death and severe injury, as well as for violating the Excise Act by producing and selling liquor without the proper permits.
In light of this tragic event, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has issued a public health warning, advising anyone who has consumed moonshine from 18 identified locations to seek medical attention immediately.
This incident underscores the dangers of consuming unregulated alcohol, especially in regions where illegal production is rampant. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests and charges may follow as authorities continue to trace the source of the deadly concoction.
