The families of two Australian teenagers who tragically lost their lives during a holiday in Laos have expressed outrage over the fines imposed on the hotel staff involved, calling them ‘absolutely disgraceful’.
Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19, passed away in November 2024 after consuming alcohol that had been contaminated with methanol, a clear and colorless liquid often found in products like paint thinners.
The drinks that led to their deaths were served at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos. Alongside the two teens, four others—a pair of Danish women, an American tourist, and a British woman—also succumbed to the poisoning. By January 28, ten hotel staff members were convicted of destroying important evidence related to the case.
The People’s Court of Vang Vieng decided to impose a suspended sentence and a fine on those involved. However, the amount of the fine has left Holly and Bianca’s parents in disbelief.
Surprisingly, the fine imposed amounted to just $185 AUD, equivalent to $131 USD.
Shaun Bowles, Holly’s father, expressed to 9News: “The best word to describe it is disappointment.”
Mark Jones, Bianca’s father, added his voice, stating: “To think that the Laos authorities believe that those who were involved in killing our daughters is worth $185 is absolutely disgraceful.”
“We were shocked by the absolute injustice for our girls and the others,” Jones expressed to the publication.
Adding to their frustration, the fathers were informed about the court’s ruling by other victims’ families and not by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
“For us not to be told they’re going ahead is abhorrent,” remarked Jones. “As citizens of this country we expect the government to look after their people and get justice for their citizens when they go traveling.”
The Australian government has since issued an apology for not keeping the families timely informed on the matter.
In a statement, DFAT expressed: “The Department prides itself in its commitment to consular service and to ensuring that the interests of consular clients and their families are paramount. On this occasion, we fell short of our aspiration. Australian officials continue to underscore our expectations of a thorough and transparent investigation and that there is justice for Holly and Bianca.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong also commented, emphasizing that the Department of Foreign Affairs has maintained regular communication with the families of Holly and Bianca.
She asserted: “I have made it clear to my Lao counterpart that Australia expects full accountability. 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.”
Following the incident, the hostel linked to the poisonings has reopened under a new name, a decision that Mark Jones has described as ‘beyond comprehension’.