Parents of teens who died on vacation issue 'shocked' response at fines handed to hotel staff

The parents of two Australian teenagers who died while on vacation in Laos have described the fines being handed to hotel staff as 'absolutely disgraceful'.

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, who were both 19, died in November 2024 after drinking alcohol which had been laced with methanol; a clear, colourless liquid which is typically used in substances like paint thinners.

The two teens were served their drinks at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos, with four other victims, including two Danish women, a US tourist and a British woman, also having died as a result of poisoning. On January 28, 10 people from the hotel were found guilty of destroying related evidence.

The People's Court of Vang Vieng ultimately responded to the incident by handing the 10 people involved a suspended sentence and a fine - but the figure on the fine is one that has stunned Holly and Bianca's parents.

In the wake of the deaths, those involved were fined just $185 AUD - that's $131 USD.

Holly's father, Shaun Bowles, told 9News: "The best word to describe it is disappointment."

Bianca's father, Mark Jones, added: "To think that the Laos authorities believe that those who were involved in killing our daughters is worth $185 is absolutely disgraceful."

“We were shocked by the absolute injustice for our girls and the others,” Jones told the publication.

As if the fine wasn't shocking enough, the fathers had to find out about the court's decision through the families of other victims, rather than through Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

"For us not to be told they're going ahead is abhorrent," Jones said. "As citizens of this country we expect the government to look after their people and get justice for their citizens when they go traveling."

The Australian government has since apologized for failing to keep the families updated on the case.

Holly and Bianca were two of six people who died from poisoning (9News)

In a statement, the DFAT said: "The Department prides itself in its commitment to consular service and to ensuring that the interests of consular clients and their families are paramount. On this occasion, we fell short of our aspiration. Australian officials continue to underscore our expectations of a thorough and transparent investigation and that there is justice for Holly and Bianca."

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also issued a statement, saying the Department of Foreign Affairs has been in regular communication with the families of Holly and Bianca.

She said: "I have made it clear to my Lao counterpart that Australia expects full accountability. I have also made it clear that charges should reflect the seriousness of the tragedy which left six people dead including Holly and Bianca.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware that the Vang Vieng District Court sentenced individuals over the destruction of evidence in relation to the death of a US citizen.

"We continue to press Lao authorities on the cases relating to Holly and Bianca's deaths, and we will continue to support Holly and Bianca's families at this distressing time."

After being linked to the poisonings, the hostel in question has since reopened under a different name - a move which Jones has described as 'beyond comprehension'.