Australia sends special envoy to Laos to shadow investigation of backpackers’ methanol poisoning deaths | Australia news

Australia will send a special envoy to Laos to investigate the deaths of two teenagers from methanol poisoning.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced the appointment on Thursday after the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade apologized earlier this week for not providing more information to victims’ families.

Veteran diplomat Pablo Kang has been asked to “explore all avenues to advance the case” over the deaths of Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones in Laos in 2024.

The 19-year-olds from Bayside, Melbourne, were fatally poisoned with methanol while drinking at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng while backpacking in the Southeast Asian country in late 2024.

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At least six foreigners died in the mass poisoning, including British woman Simone White, a US tourist and two young Danish women.

The Morton-Bowles and Jones families were outraged this week when it was revealed that 10 people linked to methanol poisoning in January faced trial and were fined just $185 for destroying evidence.

No charges have been filed in connection with the deaths.

“Since their deaths in November 2024, the Albanian government has been clear with Lao officials about the need for transparency and accountability,” Wong said.

“We have consistently communicated our expectations that the charges should reflect the seriousness of the tragedy that left Holly, Bianca and four other foreign nationals dead.”

Kang is head of Dfat’s Southeast Asia regional and mainland division and will head to Laos as soon as possible.

He previously served as Australia’s representative in Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu.

Morton-Bowles’ father, Shaun Bowles, said Australians considering traveling to Laos should rethink their plans and stay away from the country.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday to summon the Laotian ambassador for a “formal statement” about “weak investigations”.

During a parliamentary question, Albanese acknowledged that developments in the court had “increased the heartache” of the families.