There have been more arrests over the methanol poisoning deaths of two young Australians in Laos. Eight Vietnamese staff members from the Nana Backpackers hostel in the tourist town of Vang Vieng were arrested last week and the hostel was shut down.

It comes after six tourists have died in the country, including a 57-year-old American man, after suspected methanol poisoning.

Authorities in Laos have reportedly banned the sale and consumption of a vodka and whisky brand after six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng earlier this month. An Australia travel advisory published on Friday said the Southeast Asian country has banned Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky.

T he death of six tourists visiting Laos is suspected to be the result of mass methanol poisoning, after all are believed to have consumed alcoholic drinks tainted with the toxic substance. With officials issuing fresh warnings about the dangers of ingesting methanol, here’s what you should know about what it is and how it affects the body.

The U.S., Australia and U.K. have issued warnings for travelers in Vang Vieng after several tourists died in a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak.

Staff from a backpacker hostel have been detained after six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning after a night out.View on euronews

Australia has warned travelers against drinking spirits made by a Laos distiller, following the deaths of six foreign tourists from suspected methanol poisoning in the Southeast Asian country.

Six tourists from Australia, Denmark, the United States, and the United Kingdom died in Laos due to methanol poisoning. In response to these tragic events, the country's authorities banned the sale and consumption of a specific brand of vodka and whiskey.