In the bustling district of Bang Bon, Bangkok, an illegal liquor production facility was dramatically raided by excise officials and police back in 2016. This notorious incident marked a turning point in the city’s history, particularly due to its tragic consequences. (File photo: Chanat Katanyu)
The toll of Bangkok’s methanol-laced moonshine scare has sadly risen by two, pushing the fatalities to a grim count of six. As investigators delve deeper beyond the northern suburbs, they strive to unearth and dismantle the sinister network responsible for producing and distributing this lethal rotgut. On a somber note, Dr. Pairoj Surattanawanich, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, revealed that two more individuals succumbed to methanol intoxication on Tuesday.
One victim tragically passed away in the hospital after a valiant but ultimately futile resuscitation attempt, while the other was found lifeless at home.
Disturbingly, a total of 22 individuals who had unwittingly purchased the dangerous moonshine from street liquor stalls remain hospitalized. These patients endure severe symptoms including extreme fatigue, breathing difficulties, impaired vision, dizziness, and relentless nausea and vomiting. Among these, two new patients were recently admitted to Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Khannayao district, suffering from exhaustion and respiratory distress. They reported consuming alcohol from different stalls, not one of the 18 previously identified and shuttered after the scandal made headline news.
Authorities are now investigating five newly reported liquor stalls in the Lat Krabang and Khannayao districts of Bangkok, along with a stall in Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani, to prevent further tragedies.
Pol Maj Gen Kiatikul Sonthinen, the commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 3 overseeing northern Bangkok, confirmed that a 49-year-old woman has been charged with the illegal production of liquor and for reckless actions leading to death and serious injury. Allegedly, she supplied the deadly moonshine to the now-closed 18 stalls. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the harrowing revelation that two drinkers are now dependent on respirators, while an additional 17 require kidney dialysis.
The closures spanned across Khannayao, Khlong Sam Wa, Lat Krabang, Min Buri, Nong Chok, and Prawet districts, forming a grim map of the moonshine’s reach. With grim determination, Pol Maj Gen Sonthinen emphasized that samples of homemade liquor from these stalls contained dangerously high levels of methanol, a toxic substance that should never be found in consumable beverages. He urged the public to steer clear of illegal booze for the sake of their safety.
As this tragic saga unfolds, the authorities’ relentless efforts to eradicate illegal moonshine production and save lives are cast into stark relief. With each day, they edge closer to tracking down every last peddler of this lethal cocktail, hoping to prevent further heartache among Bangkok’s communities. The chilling events serve as a solemn reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in the shadows, urging everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety above all.
This is just horrific. How can people be so reckless with others’ lives?
Well, it’s all about the money, isn’t it? People will do anything for a quick buck.
True, but this is just beyond inhumane.
Let’s not forget the buyers need to be responsible too. Cheap booze comes at a cost.
The government should have stricter control over alcohol production.
This wouldn’t have happened if the government provided affordable legal alcohol.
Affordable or not, people need to value their lives more.
But George has a point. Making it unaffordable forces people to turn to dangerous alternatives.
Exactly! Prohibition never works. It just drives the market underground.
It’s a balance. You can’t just make everything cheap because then quality control goes down the drain.
Such a sad story. I hope the authorities catch everyone involved in this ring.
This is why I only stick to branded alcohol. You get what you pay for.
Even branded alcohol can be risky. There have been cases of counterfeit bottles making it to stores.
True, but the chances are much lower. I trust big brands more than these shady street vendors.
But not everyone can afford big brands, especially in poorer communities.
Relying on street vendors for alcohol in a big city like Bangkok is playing with fire. There should be better awareness campaigns.
Totally agree. Education is key. People need to know the risk.
Absolutely. Prevention is always better than cure.
This is a direct result of poverty. When people are desperate, they take desperate measures.
It’s not just about poverty. It’s also about greed on the sellers’ part.
Yes, but poverty fuels both the demand and the unscrupulous supply.
I hope those responsible get life sentences for this. It’s murder, plain and simple.
It’s shocking that this is happening in 2023. We need better regulation and enforcement.
Regulation is one thing, but enforcement is more critical. Laws are useless if not implemented.
Agreed. There needs to be a major crackdown on these illegal operations.
So sad to read this. Those poor families.
People always think it won’t happen to them. They need to be more careful.
It’s baffling to me that people are willing to risk their health for cheap alcohol.
A tragedy indeed. But it’s also a wake-up call for stricter controls and public education.
Such a waste of lives. Where were the authorities before all this happened?
The authorities can only do so much. It’s a huge city with millions of people.
Still, they should have had a better handle on the situation.
Corruption may also play a part. Sometimes these operations go unnoticed because officials turn a blind eye.
This is a public health crisis. We need more interventions to prevent such incidents.
Yes, and it’s not just a local issue. Countries all over face similar dangers with illegal booze.
True. It’s a global issue that requires a combined effort from all sides.