Laos charges in deadly tourist methanol poisoning not harsh enough: parents

Families of two Australian teenagers who died from methanol poisoning in Laos are expressing outrage over the charges filed against a distillery owner. The charges, which carry a maximum of four years in prison, are seen as inadequate by the families and the Australian government.

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, died in November 2024 after consuming tainted alcohol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel. They fell ill and were taken to Thailand for treatment, where they later died. Their deaths were part of a larger incident that also claimed the lives of two Danish women, a U.S. tourist, and a British woman.

Michelle Jones, Bianca's mother, voiced her dismay, stating, "It’s like their lives didn’t even matter." She described the outcome as devastating for a trip intended for fun and a rite of passage. Shaun Bowles, Holly's father, echoed these sentiments, expressing his family's profound disappointment.

Methanol poisoning is a severe risk when the toxic alcohol is used as a cheaper substitute for ethanol in mixed drinks or inadvertently enters beverages through poorly distilled liquor. The charges against the distillery owner include selling harmful food and operating an illegal business. Lao authorities noted that the case remains open for 15 years, allowing for potential charges of negligent homicide later.

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It’s like their lives didn’t even matter. We’re just really appalled by it all. You know, they were just going over to have a bit of fun and just doing the rite of passage that every child or teenager does. So for that outcome, it was just devastating.