Toxic Alcohol Horror: Two Bodies Reach Bhutan

The bodies of two Bhutanese – one aged 24 and the other 30 – were flown back home from Kuwait after falling victim to methanol poisoning caused by contaminated alcoholic beverages, a crisis that has claimed more than a dozen lives and left several others blind or visually impaired.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan, confirmed to Business Bhutan on August 29, 2025, that both bodies safely arrived in Bhutan.
“A 24-year-old Bhutanese woman tragically passed away on August 14, 2025, following the consumption of locally brewed contaminated alcohol in Kuwait. Her body was repatriated on August 22, 2025. Another victim, a 30-year-old man, succumbed on August 19, 2025, after being hospitalized on August 13. His body was flown back on August 27, 2025,” an official stated.

Two additional Bhutanese nationals were admitted to hospitals in Kuwait after consuming the tainted alcohol. Business Bhutan learned that both have fully recovered; one was scheduled to return on August 29 and the other on August 31, 2025.

The Royal Bhutanese Embassy (RBE) in Kuwait played a critical role, providing full support and assistance to all affected citizens. “The Embassy expedited documentation with the Kuwaiti authorities for the repatriation of both deceased and advised Bhutanese nationals via social media not to consume locally brewed alcohol. Those who have consumed such alcohol were urged to undergo medical checkups regardless of symptoms,” the official added.

Kuwaiti media reported on August 15, 2025, that 63 individuals had suffered methanol poisoning over five days, resulting in 13 deaths and leaving 21 victims blind or with impaired vision. All those affected were of Asian origin, with 51 requiring emergency kidney dialysis and 31 needing mechanical ventilation. The death toll later rose to 23, prompting Kuwaiti authorities to arrest 67 individuals suspected of producing and distributing the illegal alcoholic beverages.

Hospitals in Kuwait treated a total of 63 patients linked to the contaminated drinks, working closely with the Kuwait Poison Control Centre and security agencies. Symptoms ranged from acute organ failure to permanent vision loss, underscoring the extreme danger posed by unregulated alcohol consumption.

Ethanol is a safe to drink alcohol which is commonly referred to as ‘real alcohol’ in some regions; whereas methanol is an industrial alcohol which, in certain cases, is illegally added to real alcohol, resulting in adulterated alcohol. Ethanol and methanol are both colourless liquid that may dissolve in water.

Methanol poisoning is a severe health crisis caused by ingesting methanol, a toxic alcohol found in products like windshield washer fluid, solvents, and sometimes in contaminated or counterfeit alcoholic beverages. Once ingested, methanol converts in the body to highly toxic substances, especially formic acid, leading to symptoms such as blindness, seizures, coma, and death.

Kuwait maintains a complete ban on alcohol, strictly enforcing Sharia law. The sale, importation, or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, with severe penalties for violations – including hefty fines, imprisonment, deportation, and lifetime bans for expatriates. Unlike some neighboring Gulf countries, Kuwait does not offer exceptions for non-Muslims or foreign residents.

Possession or consumption of alcohol is considered a grave offense, and authorities conduct strict surveillance at airports, ports, and borders to prevent smuggling. For expatriates, Kuwait’s alcohol ban has reshaped social life. Traditional gatherings and celebrations involving alcohol are not permitted, requiring residents to adopt alternative forms of entertainment and social interaction. Non-alcoholic beverages, cultural meals, and family-oriented events have become central to daily life, reflecting the country’s commitment to upholding religious and societal norms.

Sangay Rabten from Thimphu