The fathers of two Melbourne teenagers who died from methanol poisoning in Laos have expressed shock after learning that hostel workers received fines of just $185 (£146) for destroying evidence. Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, were among six tourists killed after drinking methanol-laced alcohol at the Nana backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024.
Shaun Bowles and Mark Jones said they learned of the court outcome through a group chat set up by the parents of British lawyer Simone White, another victim. They were “blindsided” by what they described as an “absolute injustice”. The case only related to the death of an American tourist, not their daughters.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that the charges were for destroying evidence, not for the deaths. The department apologised for failing to keep the families informed. “We’ve been in touch with the government… asking them to step up and represent our girls,” Bowles said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said she had made clear to her Laotian counterpart that Australia expects “full accountability”. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the court outcome had “added to the heartbreak” of the families. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the fines as “heartbreaking” and barely a punishment.
The Laotian government previously vowed to bring perpetrators to justice. The families continue to press for charges reflecting the seriousness of the tragedy.
