Australia Raises Laos Travel Alert as Owner Faces 3-Month Minimum in 6 Methanol Deaths
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 18
Australia Raises Laos Travel Alert as Owner Faces 3-Month Minimum in 6 Methanol Deaths
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 18
Summary
Australia lifted its Laos advisory to “exercise a high degree of caution,” citing methanol poisoning risk, crime and concerns about transparency in the justice system.
Laotian authorities charged a distillery owner after the November 2024 poisoning that killed six foreigners, but the cited offenses—selling harmful food and running an illegal business—carry penalties from three months to four years.
Six victims included two 19-year-old Australians, two Danish women, a British woman and an American man, all linked to drinking in Vang Vieng after reported “free shots” at Nana Backpacker hostel.
Australian and Danish officials said the charges were too lenient; Canberra sent an envoy to Laos and summoned its ambassador, while Denmark said more serious charges such as negligent homicide could still be added within 15 years.