‘Abhorrent’: Methanol poisoning victims’ parents slam small fines given to Laos staff

Bianca Jones (left) and Holly Bowles of Melbourne who died at Nana Backpackers in Vang Vieng, Laos.

The families of the two young Australian women who died from methanol poisoning in Laos have slammed the small fines handed to staff who served their deadly cocktails.

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19, died after they were served alcohol laced with methanol at Nana Backpacker Hostel in November 2024.

Two Danish women, a US tourist and a British woman also died.

The Australian girls’ fathers, Shaun Bowles and Mark Jones, said they were not kept in the loop during a court case at The People’s Court of Vang Vieng.

“The best word to describe it is disappointment,” Bowles told 9 News.

Jones added: “For us not to be told they’re going ahead is abhorrent.”

Last month, 10 staff were found guilty of destroying evidence, with each person receiving a suspended sentence and a A$185 ($217) fine.

No further charges will be laid, but a man from the distillery where the spirits were made could face legal action.

“To think that the Laos authorities believe that those who were involved in killing our daughters is worth A$185 is absolutely disgraceful,” Jones said.

The families said they learnt about the judgment from other poison survivors, rather than the Australian government.

“We can’t get into the country. There’s nothing more we can do. We need the government to do something because we are out of options,” Bowles said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Department of Foreign Affairs had been in regular communication with the families.

“I have made it clear to my Lao counterpart that Australia expects full accountability,” Wong said.

“I have also made it clear that charges should reflect the seriousness of the tragedy which left six people dead, including Holly and Bianca.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware that the Vang Vieng District Court sentenced individuals over the destruction of evidence in relation to the death of a US citizen.

“We continue to press Lao authorities on the cases relating to Holly and Bianca’s deaths, and we will continue to support Holly and Bianca’s families at this distressing time.”

The families want the Australian Government to apply diplomatic pressure on Laos and demand transparency during the court process.

They also want an official written explanation from Lao authorities about the court proceedings regarding their daughters’ deaths.

The hostel has reportedly reopened under a different name.

Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.