The deaths of six foreign tourists linked to a suspected mass methanol poisoning has thrown a spotlight on a small town in Southeast Asia that has worked hard in recent years to shed its reputation for excess.

BANGKOK: Police in Laos have detained the manager and seven staff of a backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng following the deaths of six tourists from suspected methanol poisoning,

Weeks on from the first case of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, fellow backpackers investigate the culprit in lieu of information from police.

A New Zealander who had fallen ill from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has now returned home, authorities have confirmed. No other details were given about the tourist, who is among several that fell sick or died in recent weeks after consuming what may have been tainted drinks in Laos.

The U.S., Australia and U.K. have issued warnings for travelers in Vang Vieng after several tourists died in a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak.

A New Zealand citizen poisoned after drinking contaminated alcohol in a popular tourist town in Laos has returned home, authorities said on Monday, as Laos pledged to prosecute those responsible for the incident which has killed six tourists.

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