Australia 'bitterly disappointed' over Laos methanol poisoning charges

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - SYDNEY — Australia has expressed deep frustration and bitter disappointment with Laos for not pursuing 1more serious charges related to the 2024 deaths of two Australian backpackers.

Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, were among six people who died at a hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024 after consuming methanol-laced free drinks in a popular backpacker destination, prompting diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The Australian government said it was "deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed" that Laos is not pursuing more serious charges in relation to the deaths of the six backpackers in 2024.

The statement comes after reports in Australian media that Laos would press charges that collectively carry penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of A$1600 ($1100; £829) against those allegedly responsible.

Australian Foreign Ministry Penny Wong said they have summoned Laos' ambassador to Canberra.

Laos has yet to confirm any charges but the authorities there will hold a press conference later on Friday.

"This devastating news will only add to the immense pain and grief suffered by the families and friends of Holly and Bianca," Australia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"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 were among six foreign tourists who died after consuming free drinks at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng. The other victims include British, American and Danish tourists.

It is thought the free shots were tainted with methanol, a toxic substance normally found in paint thinner but that is sometimes mixed with alcohol illegally to cut costs.

Earlier this year, ten people connected to the hostel were charged with destroying evidence, receiving suspended sentences and fines of $185 (£135) each, something described by the brother of one victim as an "absolute joke".

And on Thursday, Australian media ran reports saying that the Laos ministry had written to the families of the Australian victims with information that the most serious charges expected for those responsible carried only the possibility of a fine and a one-year prison sentence.

Bianca's father, Mark Jones, told Australian broadcaster ABC that "[feeling] furious would be an understatement" while Holly's father, Shaun Bowles, said it was "very hard to comprehend" the expected charges.

"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 told the ABC.

"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."

The Laos embassy in Canberra has been contacted for comment.

Wong has said Australia has appointed Pablo Kang, Australia government's special envoy, to "explore all avenues" in the investigation, adding that he has been asked to travel to Laos on Friday to convey Australia's objections.

She also added that she would put forward Australia's views directly to her Lao counterpart at an ASEAN meeting in Manila next weel.