Penny Wong meets Lao Foreign Minister to discuss punishment over Aussie teens’ methanol poisoning deaths

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has demanded “justice” while confronting her Lao counterpart over Laos’ response to the deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles.

The Australian teens were among six backpackers who died after drinking methanol-laced alcohol at a hostel in Vang Vieng in late 2024.

Little has come from the lengthy local investigation, with 10 people handed suspended sentences or $185 fines and the owner of the distillery involved in the mass poisoning facing charges with a maximum penalty of four years.

“Holly and Bianca’s families deserve justice,” Senator Wong said after her meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

“I made clear that Australia expects the Lao government to ensure this investigation fully reflects the seriousness of this tragedy and that those responsible are held properly to account.

“Our advocacy for Holly and Bianca’s families is not over.

“We will continue to pursue this matter with the Lao government.”

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane did not comment on the meeting.

Lao authorities last week announced charges against the distillery owner at a press conference that denied access to foreign reporters.

The charges included the sale of food products harmful to health and operating an illegal business, according to Denmark’s foreign ministry, which has been tracking the investigation because two Danish women were also killed.

“The charges carry a penalty ranging from three months to four years’ imprisonment, as well as a fine,” the ministry said.

The victims’ families were furious when they learnt of the charges last week, with Ms Jones’s father saying he was lost for words.

“I don’t have words for the disgust that I have with what the Laos authorities are suggesting is meant to be justice for the deaths of six tourists,” he told the ABC.

“I’m calling on the Australian government to do all they can to intervene.”

Also speaking to the national broadcaster, Ms Jones’s mother said the charges showed “their lives didn’t even matter”.

“We’re just really appalled by it all,” Michelle Jones said.

“They were just going over to have a bit of fun and doing the rite of passage that every child or teenager does.”

Australia has since classified Laos a level 2 risk for tourists.

“The Lao legal system may not provide transparency or justice, particularly in criminal cases,” the government-run Smartraveller website said.

“Authorities may apply the law inconsistently. Several foreign nationals, including Australians, died of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.”

It also urged Australians to avoid consuming Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to concerns about the products being a health risk.

“Travellers have been assaulted after accepting spiked food or drinks. Some have died from drug-related incidents. Never accept food or drinks from strangers,” Smartraveller warned.

A higher level 3 “reconsider your need to travel” warning is in place for the Xaisomboun Province, east of Vang Vieng, due to the high risk of armed attacks.