Parents Condemn Laos Hostel Staff’s $185 Fines for Methanol Poisoning

The aftermath of a tragic incident in Laos continues to unfold as the families of two Melbourne teenagers express outrage over the leniency shown towards the staff responsible for their daughters’ deaths. Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, tragically died after consuming methanol-laced alcohol at Nana Backpacker Hostel in November 2024.

Parents Condemn Laos Hostel Staff’s $185 Fines for Methanol Poisoning

The fathers of the deceased, Shaun Bowles and Mark Jones, have criticized the $185 fines imposed on each of the ten staff members found guilty of concealing evidence. This verdict was handed down by The People’s Court of Vang Vieng on January 28. The families claim they were not informed about the judicial process and only learned about the rulings from other victims of poisoning in the UK and Denmark.

Details of The Case

Both parents shared their disappointment upon arriving at Melbourne Airport after receiving their daughters’ repatriated remains on November 26, 2024. They stated:

• Shaun Bowles described their feelings as “disappointment.”
• Mark Jones called the situation “abhorrent” for not being notified about the trial.

Despite the court advancing with the case, no further charges are to be laid against the hostel staff regarding the deaths of Holly and Bianca. However, other legal action may be pursued against an individual from the distillery responsible for the toxic alcohol.

Government Response

In response to the ongoing situation, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong affirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs is in regular contact with the affected families. Wong stated her insistence on “full accountability” and that the charges should reflect the seriousness of the tragic incident that resulted in six fatalities.

The Laos courts suggested that the sentences were related solely to evidence tampering rather than the deaths, further frustrating the victims’ families. The Nana Backpacker Hostel has since resumed operations under a new name, raising concerns for the grieving parents, who emphasized:

• “Six people died in that hotel and they just open it again? It’s beyond comprehension,” said Mark Jones.

Sadly, the families acknowledge that no legal outcome can replace their lost loved ones. “We’ve got their 21st coming up this year—lots of milestones that will always remind us of our beautiful girls,” Mr. Jones added.

The incident underscores the need for better accountability and protection for travelers abroad, as families seek justice for the tragic loss of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones.