The tragic deaths of two young Danish women in Laos shocked families, friends and travellers across borders.
Now, a verdict has finally been delivered, Danish broadcaster TV2 Echo reports.
In November 2024, 20-year-old Anne-Sofie Ørkild Coyman and 21-year-old Freja Vennervald Sørensen died after suspected methanol poisoning at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vientiane.
Ten people linked to the hostel have now been convicted in Laos. But the ruling does not concern the deaths of the two Danish backpackers.
Verdict leaves families outraged
The ruling relates to a 57-year-old American man who was found dead at the hostel. Staff were convicted of destroying evidence and received a fine equivalent to around 110 euros and 20 days of suspended prison.
Although the ruling does not formally address Anne-Sofie and Freja, the outcome still deeply upsets their families.
“It feels as if their lives have been reduced to that amount,” said Anne-Marie Ørkild, mother of Anne-Sofie, speaking to TV 2 Echo on behalf of both families.
She emphasised that nothing in the verdict reflects that young people lost their lives.
According to TV 2 Echo, the case concerning the two Danish women has been presented before a judge in Laos but sent back to the prosecutor for further investigation. No timeline has been given.
Families question Denmark’s support
The families also criticise what they see as limited communication from Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The families say they learned about developments through foreign media and a WhatsApp group with other affected parents.
“We are left with a fear that our girls will become invisible,” Anne-Marie Ørkild said.
In a written reply, the Ministry said it takes the case “extremely seriously” and has followed it closely. It confirmed that the Danish ambassador has visited Laos and that Denmark is coordinating with Australia and the United Kingdom. Due to confidentiality rules, it cannot share further details.
For the parents, the fight continues.
“I don’t think we deserve to stand alone,” Anne-Marie Ørkild said.
