Australia 'deeply frustrated' over Laos methanol poisoning charges

The Australian government is "deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed" that Laos is not pursuing more serious charges following the deaths of six backpackers from methanol-laced alcohol. Two young Australians, Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, were among the victims who died at a hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024.

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This devastating news will only add to the immense pain and grief suffered by the families and friends of Holly and Bianca.

Australian media reports indicate that Laos may press charges carrying penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of A$1600 ($1100; £829) against those allegedly responsible. Australia's Foreign Ministry summoned Laos' ambassador to Canberra to convey its expectations that charges should match the severity of the tragedy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have directly communicated these expectations to their Laotian counterparts.

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We have consistently made clear our expectations that charges should reflect the gravity of the tragedy. This includes the Prime Minister and I expressing these expectations directly to our respective counterparts.

Jones and Bowles consumed tainted drinks at the Nana Backpacker Hostel. The other victims were from Britain, the United States, and Denmark. Methanol, a toxic industrial chemical, is sometimes illegally added to alcohol to reduce costs. Earlier this year, ten people connected to the hostel received suspended sentences and fines for destroying evidence, a decision one victim's brother called an "absolute joke."

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To think that the lives of my daughter, and another five people, are worth less than a year in prison and less than $1,600.

Bianca's father, Mark Jones, told ABC that he felt "furious would be an understatement" and found the potential charges "very hard to comprehend." He questioned the value placed on the lives lost, stating, "To think that the lives of my daughter, and another five people, are worth less than a year in prison and less than $1,600." Jones urged the Australian government to intervene and for Prime Minister Albanese to insist on genuine justice.

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I'm calling on the Australian government to do all they can to intervene. For Prime Minister Albanese to reach out to his counterpart in Laos to insist that some form of genuine justice is served for the deaths of two Australian citizens.