Australia has condemned Laos and dispatched a special envoy after learning the maximum penalties expected from its investigation into the November 2024 methanol poisoning deaths of six backpackers, including two 19-year-old Australians. The Australian government expressed deep frustration and extreme disappointment that the charges carry a maximum sentence of just one year in prison and a 1,600 Australian dollar fine.
Laos is expected to conclude its investigation on Thursday. Foreign Minister Penny Wong summoned the Lao ambassador to Canberra and appointed envoy Pablo Kang to travel to Laos to convey Australia's objections. Wong will also raise the matter directly with her Lao counterpart at next week's ASEAN ministerial meeting in Manila. The government had previously offered to assist with a thorough investigation but was refused.
Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles died after consuming methanol-tainted drinks at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng alongside a British woman, an American man, and two Danish women. Ten people linked to the hostel were previously convicted of destroying evidence, receiving suspended sentences. Families of the victims expressed outrage at the anticipated charges.