Australia urges Laos to ensure transparent probe into tainted alcohol deaths

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong pressed Laos for a transparent investigation into the methanol poisoning deaths of six tourists, including two Australians, during a meeting with her counterpart in Manila on July 21. The victims, identified as Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, along with two Danish citizens, an American, and a Briton, died in November 2024 following a night out in Vang Vieng.

Methanol, a toxic alcohol that can increase liquor's potency, can cause blindness, liver damage, and death. Lao authorities stated on July 18 that they could not determine blame or the exact cause of the six tourists' deaths. However, they have initiated legal proceedings against the owner of the Tiger distillery on charges of "manufacturing or selling products hazardous to health" and "illegal commercial operation."

The pace of the investigation has been a point of contention between Canberra and Vientiane. Wong met Laos Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane on the sidelines of a regional forum to express Australia's disappointment that more serious charges were not filed. "I made clear that Australia expects the Lao Government to ensure this investigation fully reflects the seriousness of this tragedy and that those responsible are held properly to account," Wong stated.

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I made clear that Australia expects the Lao Government to ensure this investigation fully reflects the seriousness of this tragedy and that those responsible are held properly to account