Families of teenagers who died after drinking fake alcohol at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos condemn minimal £95 fines handed to responsible hostel staff

The deaths of six tourists in Laos, including British lawyer Simone White, shocked the international community and left families in devastation.

The tragedy unfolded at Nana Backpacker Hostel in November 2024, where alcohol laced with toxic methanol was served.

Among the victims were Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both just 19 years old, alongside Ms White, a 28-year-old associate lawyer from Orpington, south-east London.

For Ms White, what began as a fun holiday with friends quickly turned into a nightmare.

She spent the day tubing down a river and returned to the hostel for a night of drinks with friends, including Bethany Clarke.

Believing the spirits were normal, they mixed five or six shots each with Sprite, unaware of the lethal danger in their glasses.

The Horrifying Effects of Methanol

Initially, Ms White assumed she was just hungover.

But her condition deteriorated rapidly, with severe vomiting and seizures.

Ms Clarke later recounted how they struggled to enjoy their holiday, too weak to paddle in the river and unable to eat or swim—classic early warning signs of methanol poisoning.

Despite visiting local hospitals, the seriousness of their condition went unrecognized.

Eventually, Ms White was transferred to a private facility where doctors attempted intensive treatment, including dialysis and emergency brain surgery.

Tragically, she passed away before the results confirming methanol poisoning were received.

Families Outraged at Minimal Punishments

The legal aftermath has left families furious.

Ten staff members from Nana Backpacker Hostel were found guilty of destroying evidence linked to the poisoning.

They were handed suspended sentences and fined just £95 each, following a court process reportedly kept secret from the victims’ families.

Holly and Bianca’s parents voiced frustration at being shut out of the legal proceedings and learning of the outcome only through other poisoning victims in the UK and Denmark.

With travel restrictions preventing them from entering Laos, they say they feel powerless, reliant on their government to pursue justice on their behalf.

Government Response and Ongoing Legal Questions

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that her department has been in regular contact with the families and has pressured Lao authorities for accountability.

Despite the outrage, no further charges are expected over the deaths of Holly and Bianca.

A man connected to the distillery where the spirits were produced could still face legal action, but uncertainty lingers.

Meanwhile, the hostel itself has reopened under a new name, raising concerns about regulatory enforcement and tourist safety in the region.

Survivors Share Harrowing Experiences

Bethany Clarke, who survived alongside Ms White, has spoken publicly about the harrowing ordeal.

She described feeling increasingly unwell, vomiting, and witnessing Ms White’s health decline rapidly.

The experience left lasting trauma, highlighting how unsuspecting travelers can be vulnerable to unregulated alcohol in popular backpacker destinations.

What’s Next?

Families and authorities are now navigating a complicated path.

While some legal avenues remain, including potential action against the distillery, the hostel staff appear unlikely to face further consequences.

International pressure may continue, but the minimal fines have left relatives frustrated and seeking stronger protections for future travelers.

For travelers, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder to exercise extreme caution with alcohol in unfamiliar destinations and to be aware of the risks posed by unregulated products.

Summary

Six tourists, including British lawyer Simone White, tragically died after consuming methanol-laced alcohol at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos.

Survivors described the terrifying physical effects of poisoning, and families have expressed outrage over minimal fines and secretive court proceedings.

Australian authorities have intervened diplomatically, but legal recourse remains limited.

The hostel has reopened under a new name, and the incident underscores the ongoing dangers travelers face with unregulated alcohol abroad.