2 hours ago Six people are dead after a suspected mass methanol poisoning at a backpacker party town. What went wrong in Laos?

As authorities detain a hostel owner in Vang Vieng, expert says the recent deaths are just the ‘tip of the iceberg’Vang Vieng is an unlikely party hub.Surrounded by striking limestone mountains and caves in central Laos, it morphed from a small farming town to a hedonistic party hub in the early 2000s. Enticed by boozy tubing experiences, throngs of twentysomething backpackers cemented its spot on south-east Asia’s famed backpacker trail. Continue reading...

Events

3 hours ago An idyllic paradise turned to tragedy: How the backpacking dream became a nightmare with six dead in Laos party town

A dark cloud now looms over the backpacking hotspot of Vang Vieng after Australian teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones and British lawyer Simone White died from suspected alcohol poisoning

Events

4 hours ago Liam Payne's mum and dad suffered agonising heartbreak over One Direction fame

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne's parents, Karen and Geoff, couldn't have been prouder when he shot into the spotlight - but it also came with immense sadness

Politics

4 hours ago Simone White: Parents of London lawyer who died in suspected methanol poisoning in Laos pay tribute

The parents of British lawyer Simone White who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos have described her as a “beautiful, kind and loving daughter”.

Events

4 hours ago Parents pay emotional tribute to 'one of a kind' lawyer who died in suspected poisoning

Simone White allegedly consumed drinks containing methanol in the backpacker hotspot of Vang Vieng

Society

4 hours ago Parents of Brit who died in Laos break silence after tragic death of lawyer

The grieving couple released a statement through the 28-year-old's employers, following the tragedy in Southeast Asia earlier this week.

Events

5 hours ago Parents of British lawyer who died after drinking 'methanol' shots in Laos pay tribute to their 'beautiful, kind and loving daughter' who was 'one of a kind'

Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, is among six people who have died in connection with the tragedy in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng last week.

Society

5 hours ago Laos methanol poisoning: Brit lawyer who died after drinking 'poisoned shots' had 'spark for life'

Several people, including Brit lawyer Simone White have died after 14 people were rushed to hospital in Vang Vieng, Laos, with suspected methanol poisoning

Events

8 hours ago Cheryl's heartbreaking Liam Payne admission as One Direction star was 'great dad'

Cheryl spoke of how "great" a father her ex Liam Payne was to their seven-year-old son Bear, in an interview given before his tragic death in Argentina on October 16

Events