Australian Foreign Affairs minister Penny Wong announced that Australia will send a special envoy to Laos to follow the investigation into methanol poisoning deaths in Vang Vieng. The case includes the two young Danish women who passed away alongside four other victims, The Guardian reports.
Six foreigners died after drinking at Nana Backpackers Hostel in late 2024. The dead included two Australians, a British woman, a US tourist, and two Danish women.
Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong said envoy Pablo Kang will “explore all avenues” to progress the case. Kang is a senior DFAT official focused on Southeast Asia.
Families reacted angrily after reports that 10 connected people were fined about 185$ for destroying evidence. No one has been charged over the deaths.
Australian opposition figures have called for stronger pressure on Lao authorities. Prime minister Anthony Albanese said the court developments added to families’ heartbreak.
