BANGKOK – The Department of Medical Services reports six people have died from moonshine made with methanol, as investigators widen their search for those producing and selling the deadly concoction in Bangkok.

Dr Pairoj Surattanawanich, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said on Wednesday that all the drinkers had died from the effects of methanol intoxication.

He said 22 people who had purchased the moonshine at street liquor stalls remained in hospitals. Most suffered through fatigue, breathing difficulties, impairment of vision, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Two new patients had been admitted to Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok suffering from exhaustion and breathing difficulties.

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On August 22 two brothers were arrested and admitted to mixing methanol with water to make 40 proof white liquor. The moonshine was then purchased by a middle woman who mixed it with herbs and resold it to over 18 shops selling herbal liquor.

The two told officials they drank the poisonous liquor from other locations, not the 18 locations earlier identified and closed after the poisonings made headlines in the Bangkok Post.

Officials were investigating five newly reported liquor stalls in Lat Krabang and Khannayao districts of Bangkok and in Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani.

Pol Maj Gen Kiatikul Sonthinen, of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police said a 49-year-old woman suspected of supplying the deadly moonshine had been charged with the illegal production of liquor and recklessness causing death and serious injury.

It was earlier reported that two of the moonshine drinkers were now dependent on respirators and 17 needed kidney dialysis.

The police commander said samples of the homemade liquor contained hazardous levels of methanol and emphasized that consumers should not buy illegal booze, for their own safety.