The Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, where six tourists tragically died from methanol poisoning a year ago, is reportedly preparing to reopen under a new name. This comes despite ongoing grief and outrage from the victims’ families, who claim that justice has not been served.
In November last year, at least 11 people were hospitalized after consuming contaminated alcohol in the popular backpacker destination. Among the deceased were two young Australians, Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, who succumbed after being transferred to a hospital in Thailand. The incident also claimed the lives of Simone White from the UK, James Louis Hutson from the US, and two Danish nationals, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen.
Calls for Accountability and Memorialization
The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the victims’ families, who are grappling with the lack of accountability from the Lao authorities. Shaun Bowles and Samantha Morton, parents of Holly Morton-Bowles, have expressed their frustration with the investigation’s lack of progress, describing the response as “appalling” and “apathetic.”
Meanwhile, survivor Bethany Clarke, who was with Simone White during the incident, advocates for the hostel to be turned into a memorial. Clarke, now residing in Brisbane, has co-founded the Simone White Methanol Awareness campaign to educate travelers on the dangers of methanol poisoning.
“Some of them would have had as little as two or three drinks and they needed haemodialysis,” Clarke said, underscoring the severity of the contamination.
Unregulated Alcohol and Methanol Risks
Methanol poisoning remains a significant issue across Southeast Asia, where unregulated distilleries produce cheap alcoholic beverages. In Laos, “rice whisky” or “lao lao” is a common drink, but poor distillation practices can lead to methanol contamination. Even small amounts of methanol can be fatal, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and awareness campaigns.
Despite the serious risks, there appears to be little change in Vang Vieng. The town, known for its tubing trips along the Nam Song River, shows no evidence of increased safety measures or awareness campaigns. Local bar and restaurant owners reported no initiatives to educate tourists about methanol dangers.
International Diplomatic Efforts
The Australian government has attempted to engage with Lao authorities to ensure justice. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the need for accountability, stating that Holly and Bianca “should still be with us” and that their families deserve justice.
“I have made it clear to my Lao counterpart that Australia expects full accountability,” Wong stated, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to the case.
However, the families feel sidelined, with Shaun Bowles expressing frustration over the lack of tangible progress. The Australian Federal Police’s offers to assist in the investigation have reportedly been declined by Laos, further complicating efforts for resolution.
Families Demand Action
As the anniversary of the tragedy approaches, the families continue to demand justice and raise awareness. Michelle Jones, Bianca’s mother, described the potential reopening of the hostel as “disgusting,” emphasizing the need for accountability before moving forward.
Both families have suggested a travel ban to Laos until responsible parties are held accountable, arguing that Australian tourist dollars should not support a country where justice remains elusive.
“Until something is done over in Laos, I think we should ban the country,” Michelle Jones stated, highlighting the need for decisive action.
The reopening of the Nana Backpackers Hostel under a new name symbolizes a painful reminder of the unresolved tragedy for the victims’ families. As they continue their fight for justice, the broader issue of methanol poisoning in Southeast Asia remains a critical concern for travelers and authorities alike.
