Families of two Melbourne teenagers who died from methanol poisoning in Laos have expressed shock after learning that 10 staff connected to the hostel where they were served the drinks received fines of just $185. Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, were among six tourists killed in November 2024 after a night out at the Nana backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng.
The fathers, Mark Jones and Shaun Bowles, said they first heard about the court outcome through a group chat with families of other victims, started by the parents of British lawyer Simone White. The group shared updates provided by the UK government. The men said they had received no direct communication from Lao authorities about the case.
The charges related only to the destruction of evidence following the death of an American tourist, according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The department apologised to the families for failing to inform them about the court outcome, stating it 'prides itself in its commitment to consular service'. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said she had pressed her Lao counterpart for 'full accountability'.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the court decision had 'added to the heartbreak' of the families. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan called the fine 'not even a punishment' and said it was 'heartbreaking'. The Lao government had previously vowed to 'bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law', but the families continue to seek justice for their daughters.
