Laos Post

Tuesday, Dec 03, 2024

Father Urges Full Investigation into Methanol Poisoning Deaths of Australian Tourists

Calls for action following the deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles from suspected methanol poisoning
The father of Bianca Jones, one of the young Australians who tragically died from suspected methanol poisoning during a backpacking trip in Laos, has called on the Laos government to fully investigate the incident. Jones, along with fellow Australian Holly Bowles, both 19, died after consuming drinks believed to be tainted with methanol in the popular backpacker town of Vang Vieng. The two were part of a group of six foreign tourists who fell ill and were rushed to hospitals after a night out. Jones’ father, Mark, expressed his grief and anger, urging Laos authorities to ensure that this tragedy leads to meaningful change to protect other travelers.

The deaths have sparked widespread outrage and support, including from Australian officials and global figures such as Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. The owner of the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where Jones and Bowles stayed, has been detained in Laos for questioning. Methanol, often used in industrial products and sometimes added to alcohol to increase potency, is suspected to be the cause. The Laos government has promised to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. In the meantime, Laos' tourism industry remains a focal point for global attention, as officials from multiple countries seek transparency and justice for the victims.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Laos Post
0:00
0:00
Close
Russian Actress Kamilla Belyatskaya Dies in Wave Accident on Thai Island
Birth Spaces Performance Highlights Women's Strength and Challenges in Remote Laos
Vietnamese Ambassador Congratulates Laos on 49th National Day at the UN
CLMV Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Myanmar Strengthens Regional Cooperation
ASEAN to Hold Informal Talks on Myanmar Crisis
Severe Flooding Claims 12 Lives in Thailand and Malaysia
Environmental Groups Push for Stronger Plastics Treaty at Busan Talks
Lanexang Airways Launches New Daily Flight Route Between Vientiane and Pakse
AITAA Holds 53rd Governance Board Meeting in Vientiane, Strengthening Global Connections
Laos Achieves Impressive Revenue Growth in 2024
Laos Factory Linked to Methanol Poisoning Outbreak That Killed Six Tourists
Vietnam to Ban E-Cigarettes Starting 2025
China-Laos Railway Transforms Connectivity and Trade in Laos
UN Envoy Urges Laos to Protect Cultural Rights Amid Development Projects
Conservation Efforts in Laos Focus on Saving the Declining Elephant Population
Vietnam and Laos Celebrate 49th National Day with Strengthened Diplomatic Ties
U.S. Imposes Preliminary Tariffs on Solar Imports from Southeast Asia
Laos Shines on Global Tourism Stage with 219 ASEAN Tourism Awards
Laos to Increase Civil Servant Salaries in 2025
French Ambassador Visits Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane to Promote Energy Efficiency
Laos Celebrates 49th Anniversary and Prepares for Future Milestones
Laos Bans Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky Following Methanol Poisonings
International Prostitution Ring Involving Japanese Porn Stars Busted in Hong Kong
Textile Treasures of Laos Exhibition Celebrates Traditional Silk Weaving Craft
Laos Government Steps Up Environmental Protection Efforts in Response to Mining Concerns
Preparations Underway for the 12th National Games in Laos
Laos Sees 19% Increase in International Visitors in 2024
Cambodia Opens Six New Air Routes to Boost Tourism and Economy
U.S. Universities Urge International Students to Return Before Trump’s Inauguration
Coffee Connections: ASEAN and Australia Strengthen Ties Through Coffee
Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Strengthened Through Media Event and Environmental Awareness
WFP and French Embassy Launch Project to Improve Nutrition and Support Women Farmers in Sekong Province
International Researchers Develop Biodegradable Plastic to Combat Ocean Pollution
Eight Arrested in Laos Following Methanol Poisoning That Killed Two Australian Teenagers
Vientiane Capital Advances Green Future with Green City Action Plan Workshop
Discover "Matière en couleurs" at i:cat Gallery
Elaine Russell Discusses New Novel at Kualao Restaurant
Laos Launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with Orange Patuxay Event
Laos Government Strengthens Domestic Production to Reduce Imports
Lao Acting Governor Addresses Economic Concerns in National Assembly Session
Eight Arrested in Laos Over Methanol Poisoning Deaths of Tourists
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia Strengthen Defence Cooperation
IRD Inaugurates SMART Observatory in Luang Prabang to Support Sustainable Development
Laos and China Strengthen Legal Cooperation with New Agreement
Lao Education Minister Presents Progress on National Education System Reform Strategy
Laos Unveils Vision 2040 and Strategy 2030 for Sustainable Land Management
IRD Hosts Steering Committee in Luang Prabang to Discuss Ecosystem Sustainability and One Health Approach
French Chamber of Commerce and Industry Officially Inaugurated in Laos
Mayor of Vang Vieng Promises Justice for Tourists After Methanol Poisoning Incident
Three Tourists Named in Laos Methanol Poisoning Case
×