Two British women, Bethany Clarke and Simone White, experienced severe health issues after consuming contaminated alcohol while vacationing in Vang Vieng, Laos. The pair had been drinking with friends the night before their visit to a popular blue lagoon. Although they expected to feel hungover, they were unusually exhausted and unable to participate in kayaking activities. Clarke described the situation, saying, "And Simone was also being sick off of her kayak."

As their condition worsened, they sought medical help at a local hospital but were misdiagnosed. It was only after a friend took them to a Thai-run hospital that they were diagnosed with methanol poisoning. Tragically, by that time, White had fallen into a coma, and her family made the difficult decision to take her off life support.

Clarke later learned that five other travelers had also died from methanol-tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng that same week. Reflecting on the loss of her friend, Clarke stated, "I used to speak to Simone multiple times a day. We were just always in communication. Never hello or goodbye."

In response to the tragedy, Clarke has been actively campaigning to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol. She made a promise to White's family that her story would not be forgotten. "We're trying to turn grief into action," she said. Methanol is a highly toxic substance, and even small amounts can be fatal. It is often found in spirits produced in unregulated distilleries and is sometimes used to enhance the potency of drinks.

Clarke is collaborating with other survivors and families affected by similar tragedies to advocate for better awareness and prevention measures. Their campaign includes a petition urging the Australian and UK governments to provide information about methanol in airports, in-flight magazines, and schools. Additionally, Clarke has been creating viral videos on social media to educate travelers on how to avoid methanol poisoning and recognize its symptoms.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of avoiding spirits while traveling. Clarke advises, "Just avoiding the shots, the mixed drinks, the buckets, the bartenders pouring things down your throat. Take your duty free, drink that before you go out, and then when you're out, stick to canned ciders, canned beers."

Methanol poisoning remains a significant issue in Asia, with hundreds of deaths reported each year. Clarke stresses the importance of being aware of the symptoms, which include visual changes, confusion, nausea, and breathing difficulties. She noted that early diagnosis is crucial, stating, "Time is critical at that point."

In the wake of the tragedy, the Australian government has taken steps to inform travelers about alcohol-related risks. They have begun sending alerts and providing information at international airports. In September, the government launched the Partying Safely Hub to educate young Australians about the dangers of alcohol while traveling.

Clarke expressed satisfaction with the Australian government's response but noted that the UK has not made similar progress. She advocates for more education in schools and stronger enforcement of alcohol regulations in other countries to prevent future tragedies. "Otherwise, it's just going to keep happening," she warned.