Laos files minor charges in 2024 tourist methanol deaths

The families of two Australian backpackers who died in Laos nearly two years ago, along with the Australian government, have expressed profound disappointment after Laotian authorities announced charges carrying only minor penalties in connection with the fatal methanol poisoning. The charges, revealed on Friday, July 17, 2026, relate to the deaths of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, who were among six foreign tourists who died in November 2024 after consuming tainted alcohol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng.

A court in Laos brought charges against a distillery owner linked to the "Tiger" alcohol brand served at the hostel. The charges are "selling food that is harmful to health" and "operating an illegal business." If found guilty, the maximum penalty would be between three months and four years in prison and a fine, according to a statement from Denmark's Foreign Ministry citing Lao authorities. Australian officials and the victims' families had hoped for more serious charges, such as negligent homicide, which could have resulted in longer prison sentences.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed that...