PUBLISHED: 26 Aug 2024 at 15:04
The tragic case of moonshine methanol poisoning in Bangkok has claimed its second victim, leading to the arrest of two siblings suspected of manufacturing and distributing the illicit liquor.
Dr. Pairoj Surattanawanich, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, reported that as of Monday morning, the death toll has reached two, with 25 other individuals currently hospitalized. Among these, 16 patients are receiving care at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, with two relying on respirators and 17 requiring dialysis.
This outbreak of methanol poisoning began on Thursday, resulting in the first reported death on Saturday. In response, authorities shut down 18 homemade liquor stalls across the Khannayao, Khlong Sam Wa, Lat Krabang, Min Buri, Nong Chok, and Prawet districts of Bangkok, all believed to be selling the dangerous brew.
Dr. Pairoj explained that while the presence of methanol in liquor can be safe within limits, it must not exceed 1,000 parts per million (ppm). Alarmingly, samples from the seized stalls showed methanol concentrations as high as 100,000 ppm. The vendors might not have been aware of the harmful levels present in their raw materials.
Investigations revealed that the stall owners had been sourcing their liquor from a woman known as Jeh Pu, who claimed to produce the drink using her late father’s recipe and obtained ingredients from two brothers.
The brothers, Surasak and Surachai Insam, aged 46 and 44, were located and arrested in Saphan Sung district on Sunday. They maintain that they only mixed high-proof ethanol with water to create a lower-alcohol beverage, which they sold to Jeh Pu.
The police have initially charged the brothers with producing liquor without a permit, pending further laboratory examination of the product.
