A New Zealander believed to have been poisoned by methanol while in Laos has now left the country to return home, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In a statement, an MFAT spokesperson said the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok has been providing assistance to one New Zealander "who we believe to have been poisoned with methanol in Laos".
"They have now departed Laos and returned home," the spokesperson said.
It comes after two Australian teenagers and a British woman died last week from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos. An American man and two Danes also died, though their exact causes of death have not been released.
Over the weekend, the Laotian government officially acknowledged the mass poisoning that has killed at least six tourists, promising it would bring perpetrators to justice.
In a short statement released to the media, the Lao government said it was "profoundly saddened over the loss of lives of foreign tourists" in the backpacker town of Vang Vieng and offered its condolences to the families of the victims.
Last week, MFAT updated its travel advisory for the country to note there had been "several cases of suspected methanol poisoning after consuming alcoholic drinks'.
"Travellers are advised to be cautious about consuming alcoholic beverages, particularly cocktails and drinks made with spirits that may have been adulterated with harmful substances.
"Know the signs of methanol poisoning and seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected," a spokesperson said.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said consular assistance was being provided to two Australians and their families in Thailand.
Australia's Smartraveller website also urged tourists to be on the look-out for methanol poisoning, saying as little as one shot could be fatal.
It warned symptoms appeared similar to drinking too much but could be "stronger", leading to vision problems including blindness or death.
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