The Laos hostel where six people, including two young Australians, were believed to have been fatally poisoned with methanol a year ago is set to reopen. The incident, which occurred in the backpacker town of Vang Vieng, saw at least 11 individuals hospitalized after consuming contaminated alcohol. Among the victims were Australians Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, who tragically died after being transferred to a hospital in Thailand.
The reopening of the hostel has sparked outrage among the victims’ families, who are still grappling with their grief and the lack of accountability from Laos authorities. The parents of the young women have expressed that the authorities’ failure to hold those responsible to account has compounded their pain. Meanwhile, a survivor of the poisoning outbreak has suggested that the hostel should be turned into a memorial.
Background: A Tragic Incident and Its Aftermath
The mass poisoning claimed the lives of Simone White from the UK, James Louis Hutson from the US, and Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen from Denmark, all of whom were staying at Vang Vieng’s Nana Backpackers Hostel. Following the tragedy, the Lao government expressed its condolences and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Local authorities shut down the hostel and arrested at least 11 staff members, although all were later released without charges.
Methanol, a highly toxic form of alcohol, is often a by-product in the distillation process of regular alcohol. In Southeast Asia, where unregulated distilleries are common, methanol poisonings are a known hazard. The locally produced “rice whisky” or “lao lao” is a staple drink in Laos, and poor processing can lead to contamination. As little as 30 milliliters of methanol can be fatal.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
In Vang Vieng, the tragedy seems to have faded from public memory. The town, which is a popular destination for backpackers, appeared quiet at the start of the tourist high season this November. The Nana hostel remained closed, though signs of renovation were evident. A local noodle shop owner confirmed refurbishment activities but was unaware of the methanol poisoning incident.
Despite the incident, there appears to be no concerted effort to increase safety measures for tourists. Bar and restaurant owners in the area reported no awareness campaigns about the dangers of methanol. The local police, when contacted, stated that the case had been referred to provincial authorities, who were unwilling to comment.
Calls for Justice and Memorialization
British national Bethany Clarke, who survived the poisoning, has been vocal about the need for accountability. She has compiled a list of about 20 people affected by methanol poisoning at the hostel and has co-founded the Simone White Methanol Awareness campaign to educate travelers on the risks. Clarke believes the hostel should serve as a memorial to honor the victims.
“Some of them would have had as little as two or three drinks and they needed haemodialysis,” she said, referring to the medical process used to filter toxins from the blood.
The families of the Australian victims have expressed their frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation. Shaun Bowles and Samantha Morton described the Lao authorities’ response as “appalling” and criticized the absence of a serious investigation. They continue to advocate for justice while managing their grief.
International and Diplomatic Responses
Efforts by the Australian government to assist in the investigation have reportedly been rebuffed by Laos. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has emphasized the need for accountability, stating that Holly and Bianca “should still be with us.” The Australian government has been urged to apply more pressure on Laos, with suggestions of a travel ban until accountability is achieved.
“We will continue to do everything we can to press for progress in this case and to raise awareness among young Australians of methanol poisoning and other alcohol-related risks,” Wong stated.
Despite these efforts, the families feel sidelined and have expressed disappointment with the Australian government’s response. Michelle Jones, mother of Bianca, has called for a travel ban to pressure Laos into action, arguing that Australian tourism dollars should be withheld until justice is served.
The reopening of the hostel under a new name, without any charges being laid, has left the families feeling stuck in a “vortex” of unresolved grief and injustice. As they continue to fight for accountability, they also strive to honor the memories of their loved ones.
