Laos distillery owner charged after tourist methanol poisoning deaths

A distillery owner in Laos has been charged after six tourists died from drinking poisoned alcohol in 2024. The deaths happened in Vang Vieng, a popular destination for young travellers. Two of the victims were Australian women from Melbourne, Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles. The owner faces charges of selling harmful food and running an illegal business. If found guilty, he could receive up to four years in prison and a fine. Families of the victims and Australian officials said the charges were not serious enough. Australia has also updated its travel warning for Laos, because of concerns about methanol in alcohol, crime, and a justice system that lacks transparency. Methanol is a dangerous chemical that can appear in cheap or illegal alcohol.