Health professionals at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok’s Kannayao district were intensely focused on treating victims on Saturday, as seen in the photo provided by the Department of Medical Services.
The unexpected crackdown came swiftly: authorities ordered the closure of 18 moonshine shops scattered across six districts following a tragic incident. One man lost his life, and 20 more were rushed to hospitals with symptoms of methanol poisoning after a night out in Min Buri district turned disastrous.
As reports surfaced on Sunday from Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, it became clear that a total of 21 patients had fallen ill after consuming the dangerous brew. The hospital in Kannayao district has been a hive of activity, with patients suffering from a range of symptoms including dizziness, stomach aches, vomiting, impaired vision, and seizures. Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, director-general of the Department of Medical Services (DMS), detailed the gravity of the situation during a press conference.
“Patients usually show symptoms between 16 and 24 hours after consuming methanol-laced moonshine,” Dr. Amporn explained. The affected individuals, primarily men aged between 30 and 40, also included a 69-year-old man, adding a broader age range to the crisis.
At Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, 13 patients are currently receiving care. Meanwhile, five are being treated at Navamin 9 Hospital, one at Rajavithi Hospital, another at Kasemrad Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, and one unfortunate soul succumbed to the illness at Synphaet Serirak Hospital. Reports indicated that six individuals had gone into cardiac arrest, only to be revived thanks to rapid CPR interventions.
Dr. Amporn sounded a grim warning: “Some patients might require lifelong kidney dialysis if their kidneys don’t recover,” she stated, noting that seven of these patients are also suffering from severe visual impairment.
The illicit sales hotbed appeared to be centered in Min Buri and Khlong Sam Wa districts, with Soi Hathai Rat 33 being a particularly notorious spot. Payung Boonsomsuwan, director of the Excise Department’s Office of Prevention and Suppression, confirmed that liquor samples from three stalls tested positive for methanol.
The trace led authorities to a clandestine factory in Saphan Sung district. This dubious facility was actively producing a potent 40% proof liquor by mixing methanol with water—a dangerous concoction. Further investigation revealed that this factory distributed its toxic products to 18 stalls across six districts: Min Buri, Khlong Sam Wa, Lat Krabang, Prawet, Khan Na Yao, and Nong Chok.
The Excise Department has not taken this issue lightly, immediately shutting down those 18 vendors to prevent any further incidents. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin also issued a stern warning to the public, urging people to steer clear of illegal homebrews and any alcoholic beverages lacking an official excise stamp.
As Bangkok grapples with this public health crisis, the spotlight remains on ensuring swift justice and raising awareness to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This is outrageous! Why isn’t the government doing more to regulate these illegal moonshine operations?
They’re shutting down the vendors, but it’s like a whack-a-mole game. New ones keep popping up.
It’s not just about shutting them down, there needs to be a cultural shift. People need to stop thinking it’s okay to buy illegal alcohol.
I agree, Maria. Awareness campaigns are a must. People need to understand the risks they’re taking.
The government can only do so much. It’s also on the people to make smarter choices.
What’s shocking is how easily these illegal shops can operate. Are local authorities turning a blind eye?
Politicians and local police might be taking bribes to look the other way. Corruption is rampant.
That makes me so mad. Lives are at stake here. There needs to be severe penalties for those involved in corruption too.
Why would anyone drink moonshine in the first place? Just buy legit alcohol.
Not everyone can afford it. These illegal brews are a cheaper option for people on low incomes.
Plus some folks genuinely don’t know the risks. The vendors don’t exactly advertise that it’s dangerous.
It’s tragic that people will be dealing with lifelong health issues from this. The government needs to offer better healthcare support.
Yes! Healthcare should be a priority. Kidney dialysis isn’t cheap, and some may never recover fully.
Sadly, even in crises like these, healthcare systems often fall short. More needs to be done.
This is what you get when people don’t follow the laws. There’s no excuse for illegal activity.
That’s harsh, Luke. Desperation makes people do desperate things. Blaming the victims isn’t fair.
Desperation or not, there’s always a choice. They chose the illegal route, and unfortunately, they’re now facing the consequences.
Dr. Amporn’s efforts should be commended. Handling such a crisis is no easy task.
Absolutely. The medical team is doing incredible work to save lives and manage so many severe cases.
Their dedication is inspiring. It’s just a shame they’re cleaning up a mess that should never have happened in the first place.
Shutting down vendors isn’t going to stop this. Bootlegging has been around for centuries. What’s next?
Why isn’t there a legal alternative for those who can’t afford regular alcohol? Maybe that would reduce the demand for moonshine.
That’s a good point. Affordable legal alcohol might be one solution to this problem.
I feel for the families affected. This is senseless and heart-wrenching.
Educating the public about the dangers of methanol poisoning is crucial. More needs to be done in terms of awareness.
Banning isn’t the answer. It just drives the activity underground. We need safer regulations.
Regulating it would definitely help, but can the government manage that without corruption?
That’s the challenge. Transparency and strict oversight would be necessary to make it work.
This is a systemic issue. Societal and economic reforms are needed to address the root causes.
Hope the offenders get strict punishment. This negligence cost people their lives.