Illicit Alcohol Trade in Laos

Illicit alcohol in Laos accounts for 33% of total consumption, significantly exceeding the global average of 25.8% and posing severe health and safety risks. This issue was tragically underscored in November 2024 when six tourists in Vang Vieng died after consuming methanol-tainted alcohol, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory action. The problem extends across ASEAN, contributing to numerous fatalities linked to toxic, unregulated alcohol in countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

TRACIT recommends a multi-pronged strategy for Laos and the region, including legalizing artisanal alcohol production, strengthening regulatory oversight, raising public awareness, improving access to affordable legal products, enforcing stricter penalties, and fostering inter-agency cooperation. 
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Illicit Alcohol Trade in Laos: Challenges and Solutions
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Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation under US tax code 501(c)(6).
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