Eighteen stalls selling herbal liqueurs in six areas of Bangkok have been shut down after their products were found to contain methanol, leading to the death of one drinker.
Several other imbibers have been admitted to hospitals, one of whom is in a coma.
The case came to light after reports emerged that at least 21 people were rushed to hospitals between August 22 and 25 in the Min Buri, Klongsamwa and Saphan Sung districts suffering from methanol poisoning.
Of these, one person has died, another is in a coma and 13 remain hospitalised.
The number of hospital admissions came to the attention of the police and the Medical Services Department, prompting an inspection of the stalls selling herbal liqueurs in these areas.
Authorities collected samples of the products and found them to be contaminated with methanol. They also identified a factory in the Saphan Sung area believed to be supplying the contaminated products to the stalls.
People are warned that, if they experience dizziness, vomiting or suddenly blurred vision after drinking these liqueurs, they should seek medical attention immediately.
