British lawyer Simone White dies in hospital after apparent mass methanol poisoning in Laos

A young British lawyer has died in hospital taking the death toll in an apparent mass poisoning event in Laos to five.

On Thursday, Melbourne teen Bianca Jones became the fourth person to die from suspected methanol poisoning following the deaths of two Danish women and an American, as confirmed by Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US State Department.

Lawyer Simone White, 28, from Orpington in Kent, was among a dozen other tourists taken to hospital after visiting the backpacker town of Vang Vieng last week, The Times reported. Early on Friday, her death was confirmed by Thai authorities.

In a statement to 7NEWS.com.au, a spokesperson for Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed a death in Loas.

“We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”

Her friend Bethany Clarke urged tourists in the region to “avoid all local spirits” after their group of six fell ill.

“Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Just avoid them as so not worth it,” she wrote in a Laos backpacking Facebook group.

“Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”

It is still not known where the contaminated drinks were sold.

Earlier on Thursday, the UK’s FCDO confirmed it is “providing consular assistance to British nationals and their families and are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Laos.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Jones, 19, in federal parliament on Thursday, as her friend Holly Bowles, also 19, continues to fight for her life in a Bangkok hospital.

“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese said.

“Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come. Memories that she should have carried with her into the long, bright future that lay ahead of her. It is beyond sad that this is not to be.”

Jones’ family confirmed her death on Thursday after she spent the past week on life support in Udon Thani.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” they said in a statement to the Herald Sun.

“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.”

The family said they were humbled by the support they had received during what has been an “unimaginable time”.

The pair, from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s southeast, had been holidaying in Laos as part of a trip they had been planning for years when they reported feeling unwell on November 13.

Both teens were later taken to separate hospitals in Bangkok and their families flew from Melbourne to be at their bedsides.

Jones’ federal member, Zoe Daniel, became emotional as she also paid tribute to the teenagers in parliament.

“To the families of these two young Aussie girls who just headed off on an adventure together,” the MP for Goldstein said.

“I know that so many members of our community are connected to these girls, to these families, I feel your grief. Our hearts are broken.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said drink spiking and methanol poisoning were “far too common in many parts of the world”.

“At this time I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy does not happen again,” she said.

Australian authorities are working with local police in Laos, although it could take some time before it is known if any criminal charges will be laid, 7NEWS has been told.

- with AP