Australia has summoned the Laos ambassador to express frustration over the handling of a case involving the deaths of two Australian backpackers who consumed methanol-contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Background
In 2024, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, died after drinking contaminated alcohol in the town, which is a popular destination for foreign tourists. Four other tourists, including two Danes, an American, and a British national, also lost their lives.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that her country has consistently made clear its expectations for serious charges to be pursued in the case. Wong plans to raise Australia’s concerns directly with her Lao counterpart at an upcoming meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers in Manila.
Lao officials may charge those allegedly responsible with offenses that carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine. However, the families of the victims have expressed fury over the proposed charges, urging the Australian government to intervene.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
