“Somsak” held an emergency meeting to track down the fake alcohol. It was revealed that 28 patients had been found, one of whom was apparently blind, indicating that most of the patients were in serious condition. Drinkers were warned to seek medical attention immediately. It was emphasized that anything mixed with methanol cannot be used in industry – it cannot be drunk.

On August 26, 2024, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, co-chaired a meeting with Mr. Kittikorn Lohasunthorn, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, and Mr. Wichai Chaiyamongkol, Advisor to the Minister of Public Health, to discuss how to prevent the illegal production, consumption and dangers of illegal alcohol. Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Khelat Hadayakorn, Director of the Disease Control Department, Dr. Anfong Benjafong Pitak, Director of the Medical Services Department, Executive Officer of the Ministry of Public Health, and related agencies participated

Somsak revealed that the meeting reported the situation of patients poisoned by methanol. Between August 22 and 26, 28 people have become ill from drinking fake alcohol, including 2 deaths, most of which are serious, including 13 who need intubation, 18 who need dialysis, and 6 who need heart pumps. The symptoms found in the treatment are divided into 21 cases of acidosis, 19 cases of shortness of breath, 16 cases of renal failure, 14 cases of blurred vision, 4 cases of epileptic seizures, and 4 cases of loss of consciousness. At present, the Ministry of Health and relevant departments have reported. The agency has stepped up investigations into all 9 distribution points in the Khlong Sam Wa area. The Bangkok Middle East District is preparing to search for people who have had contact with the Yadong circle in Hathairat 33, and found another 3 people who have had contact with the Yadong circle in the community, but none of the 3 people showed symptoms.

In addition, after the meeting, Mr. Somsak told the media that today the Ministry of Public Health tracked the cases of patients drinking fake alcohol or methanol. It cannot be used for drinking. It is used in industries such as paint and thinners. If you drink fake alcohol, medically speaking, patients will experience symptoms such as stomach pain, headache, blurred vision and blindness. The drink is not made from regular alcohol. Therefore, if anyone consumes it, please seek medical attention immediately. Because symptoms will appear 24-48 hours after drinking fake alcohol, which may make the drinker unaware. So far, 28 patients have been found, of which 2 have died. As for the 10 reported cases of blindness, there is only one case so far. It was found that the remaining 10 cases still have blurred vision.