The recent deaths of six foreign tourists in Laos has cast a light on a long-standing problem in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia has the "highest rates of methanol poisoning globally", said Al Jazeera, and this is often blamed on "economic pressures and weak regulations". Laos, despite its increasing popularity with backpackers, is one of the poorest nations in the region.

Three more people allegedly linked to the Laos methanol poisonings that killed two Danish tourists were arrested.

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.

Six tourists, including an American, have now died from suspected methanol poisoning after allegedly drinking tainted alcohol in Laos, per reports

Six travelers have died from suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos. Most of these incidents occur in Asia, according to Doctors Without Borders.

Three more staff members at the Nana Backpackers Hostel have been arrested following what is believed to be a mass methanol poisoning incident after the death of six people, including Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles.

The venue is situated outside the capital city Vientiane and is understood to have been making Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey.

Three more staff members from a hostel have been taken into custody after six tourists died from potentially tainted drinks.