The families of two Australian teenagers who tragically lost their lives to methanol poisoning in Laos are anxiously awaiting a legal decision they fear will not deliver justice.
Nineteen-year-old Melburnians, Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, were among the unsuspecting backpackers who fell victim to tainted alcohol at Vang Vieng Nana Backpackers Hostel in 2024.
The incident also claimed the lives of two Danish women, an American man, and a British woman, casting a shadow over the popular tourist destination.
Authorities in Laos are slated to host a press briefing this Friday afternoon, revealing their investigation’s findings and announcing any charges against those responsible for distributing the lethal drinks.
Mark and Michelle Jones, Bianca’s grieving parents, shared with the Australian Associated Press their understanding that the accused may face charges that could result in a maximum of one year in prison coupled with a fine. The charges may additionally encompass illegal business operations.
“All up, our daughter, along with four other beautiful women, their lives are worth less than a year and about $1,600,” Mark Jones said on Friday.
“We’re disgusted and angry.
“The whole way through this case, and ever since, our daughters and other girls were impacted by methanol, the Lao government has done next to nothing to secure evidence properly or to follow up.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government felt ”deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed” that authorities in Laos are not pursuing the most serious charges in relation to the deaths.
”We have consistently made clear our expectations that charges should reflect the gravity of the tragedy,” Wong said in a statement, adding the government had advocated for a thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths.
”What happened to Holly, Bianca and four other foreign nationals should never have happened.”
Seasoned Australian diplomat Pablo Kang had been asked earlier this year to “explore all avenues to progress the case” and had engaged extensively with Lao authorities on behalf of the government and the families.
Kang is expected to travel to Laos to convey the federal government’s objections and reinforce the expectations for an investigation that delivers justice.
Wong said she would speak with her Lao counterpart next week when she travels to Manila for the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.
On Friday, Bianca’s parents issued a warning to Australians not to travel to the country.
“We’ve not come out before because we thought justice would be served, but justice looks like it is absolutely not going to be served,” Mark Jones said.
“Our very message to Australian and international travellers is, do not go to Laos, it’s a country that simply doesn’t value life.”