Overview

• Bianca Jones, Holly Bowles, and four other tourists died in November 2024 after consuming methanol-tainted alcohol at Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos.
• Laotian authorities plan to charge up to 13 individuals with offenses including eliminating evidence, health-security violations, and operating unlawfully, but not with murder or manslaughter.
• The victims’ parents have criticized the proposed charges as insufficient and fear those responsible will face only minor penalties.
• The grieving families have written to senior Lao officials, including the prime minister, seeking stronger accountability but have received no response.
• Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated travel advisories for Laos, warning tourists about the risks of methanol contamination in alcoholic beverages.