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In a tragic incident at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos, 19-year-olds Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones lost their lives in November 2024 after consuming alcohol tainted with methanol.
Their fathers, Shaun Bowles and Mark Jones, have expressed deep frustration over being excluded from a court case concerning the incident, which unfolded in secrecy at The People’s Court of Vang Vieng, Laos.
“The most fitting word to describe the situation is disappointment,” remarked Mr. Bowles.
Mr. Jones echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s outrageous that we weren’t informed that the proceedings were moving forward.”
On January 28, a court found ten individuals associated with Nana Hostel guilty of tampering with evidence related to the methanol-laced drinks.
They each received a suspended sentence and a $185 fine.
The staff could now get exit visas to leave the country after a 20-day appeal period.
No further charges will be laid in connection with Holly and Bianca’s death, but a man from the distillery where the spirits were made could still face legal action.
“To think that the Laos authorities believe that those who were involved in killing our daughters is worth $185 is absolutely disgraceful,” Mr Jones said.
The families say they only found out about the judgment through other poisoning victims in the UK and Denmark, rather than the Australian government.
“As citizens of this country we expect the government to look after their people and get justice for their citizens when they go travelling,” Mr Jones said.
“We can’t get into the country. There’s nothing more we can do. We need the government to do something because we are out of options,” Mr Bowles added.
In a statement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Department of Foreign Affairs has been in regular communication with the womens’ families, updating them as recently as February 5.
“I have made it clear to my Lao counterpart that Australia expects full accountability,” Wong said.
“I have also made it clear that charges should reflect the seriousness of the tragedy which left six people dead including Holly and Bianca.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware that the Vang Vieng District Court sentenced individuals over the destruction of evidence in relation to the death of a US citizen.”
“We continue to press Lao authorities on the cases relating to Holly and Bianca’s deaths, and we will continue to support Holly and Bianca’s families at this distressing time.”
The hostel has since reopened under a different name.
“Six people died in that hotel and they just open it again? It’s beyond comprehension,” Mr Jones said, visibly upset.
But the grieving fathers conceded nothing will bring back Holly and Bianca who will be forever missed.
“We’ve got their 21st coming up this year, lots of milestones that come up, but we will continue to remember our beautiful girls,” Mr Jones said.
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