Disturbing detail on bar menu linked to poisoning of Aussie friends Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones in Laos
Best friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, remain on life support in critical condition after suffering suspected methanol poisoning on holiday.
The heartbroken father of an Australian teenager who remains on life support after suffering suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has addressed the media, thanking the public for their outpouring of support while asking for privacy during the challenge ahead.
Shaun Bowles, father of Holly, who remains gravely ill and clinging to life in Bangkok, Thailand, said his daughter's condition is critical, with her current outlook unsure.
Holly and best friend Bianca Jones — who is also on life support at a hospital in Udon Thani, some eight hours drive away — are both suspected to have ingested the deadly substance methanol last week while on a night out in Laos during a Southeast Asian "dream getaway". Both girls are just 19-years-old.
Holly's father Shaun said his family, including the teen's mother, are rallying by her beside.
"Right now our daughter remains in the intensive care unit, in a critical condition, she is on life support," the devastated dad told media from Bangkok. "We'd also like for people to appreciate right now we just need privacy, so we can spend as much time as we can with Holly."
Family praying authorities get to the bottom of suspected poisoning
A statement to media from Bianca's family said they are praying "authorities can get to the bottom of what happened as soon as possible."
"Our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support that have come from across Australia," the statement said. "This is every parent's nightmare and we want to ensure no other family is forced to endure the anguish we are going through."
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The two Melbourne teens were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, a tourist town in the country's centre, before they went on to drink at Jaidee bar on November 11. It's believed it was at this venue the girls unwittingly consumed the methanol.
According to 7News, locals understand the spot to have ties with the mafia, telling a reporter for the network it's notorious for methanol poisonings.
Alarming detail on menu from popular tourist bar emerges
Methanol is usually found in a range of products such as paint, fuel, and cosmetics, however it is also sometimes illegally added to alcohol as a cheap substitute to ethanol. Drinking even a small amount can be fatal.
Footage obtained by 7News of Jaidee bar reveals it offers drugs on a menu to patrons, including marijuana, magic mushrooms, opium and hash brownies.
While cannabis is an illegal substance in Laos, it is readily available. Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022 for medical purposes.
Nana Backpacker Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan told the Associated Press staff were alerted by other guests that the two teens fell sick when they failed to check out. They were transported to hospital on motorcycles when it was discovered they likely ingested the toxic substance.
Smartraveller has since changed advice for tourists travelling to Laos. It states: " several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of suspected cases of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks".
"Be alert to the potential risks, particularly with spirit-based drinks including cocktails."
The two girls are among a whole group of people believed to have been poisoned at the venue. Two other travellers died and at least a dozen people were reportedly hospitalised after also drinking the substance. Vigils have taken place in Melbourne's Bayside area as the community come to terms with the unimaginable tragedy.
On Thursday morning, the ABC reported the death of a third person linked to the poisoning event after the US State Department said a US citizen had died in Vang Vieng.
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