Laos’ methanol poisoning deaths send chill through backpacker paradise

Vang Vieng, Laos – The streets of Vang Vieng are quieter than usual as global scrutiny falls on the backpacker hotspot following the deaths of six foreign tourists from suspected methanol poisoning.Across from Nana Backpackers Hostel, where all six victims stayed before falling ill, a local tuk-tuk driver sits in his vehicle smoking a cigarette and chatting with his young son.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Israel sanctions Haaretz due to articles that ‘hurt’ Israeli statelist 2 of 4In Uruguay, a presidential election focused on ‘democratic coexistence’list 3 of 4Hard-right populist takes shock lead in Romania’s presidential electionlist 4 of 4Yamandu Orsi wins Uruguay’s run-off presidential electionend of list“I don’t know much of this story. I only saw about it on Facebook,” the tuk-tuk driver says, requesting anonymity.“I am often here to transport tourists. In this hotel there are just foreigners, no Asians usually. They have parties every Friday night that last until...