Australia has summoned Laos’ ambassador to Canberra, expressing frustration over what it says are inadequate legal proceedings following the deaths of two Australian teenagers who died after drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol in Laos.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday that the government was “deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed” that Lao authorities were not pursuing charges that reflected the seriousness of the tragedy.
The victims, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, died in November 2024 after consuming contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination about two hours north of the Lao capital, Vientiane.
“We have consistently made clear our expectation that the charges should reflect the gravity of the tragedy that claimed the lives of Holly and Bianca,” Wong said in a statement.
She added that she would raise Australia’s concerns directly with her Lao counterpart during the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila next week.
The incident also claimed the lives of four other foreign tourists — two Danish nationals, one American and one British citizen — after they consumed the contaminated alcohol.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), those allegedly responsible could face two offences carrying a combined maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of A$1,600 (US$1,120). The report said the victims’ families were angered by the proposed charges and had urged the Australian government to intervene.
Laos’ embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol commonly used in industrial products such as solvents, pesticides and fuel. Consuming methanol can cause severe poisoning, blindness and death.
