Details have been murky over the number of tourists affected and the possible source of the methanol-laced drinks.

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.

Officials arrested eight hostel workers in Laos on Monday for allegedly poisoning travelers with methanol, according to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corp.  Tourists reported illnesses

Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, was one of a number of people taken to hospital after the incident in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng last week

Authorities in Laos have reportedly banned the sale and consumption of a vodka and whisky brand after six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng earlier this month. An Australia travel advisory published on Friday said the Southeast Asian country has banned Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky.

Julia Hernández (CNN) — Australia advirtió a los viajeros que no beban bebidas espirituosas elaboradas por un destilador de Laos, tras la muerte de seis turistas extranjeros por presunta intoxicación