'Make it safe': Parents of Aussies killed by methanol poisoning in Laos call for boycott of country

Following the deaths of young women in Laos due to drinking adulterated alcoholic beverages, the parents of one of the victims are calling on Australians to boycott the country. Holly Bowers and Bianca Jones died from methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng last November. At the time of the incident, they were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel.

In light of the lack of investigation by Laos, Jones' parents are urging Australians not to travel to Laos. Bianca's father, Mark Jones, said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC): "There's been no communication, we've had no updates. We understand that they detained 12 people, but they've all been released. As far as we understand, none of those arrested were Lao nationals. We're very disappointed because it just seems like there's no progress."

Bianca's mother, Michelle Jones, added: "Our daughters were murdered, and nothing's being done." The Australian Federal Police have offered to assist with the investigation but have been rebuffed by Lao authorities. The Joneses are appealing to the Australian public not to travel to Laos until there is meaningful progress in the investigation.

"Don't go," Mrs. Jones said. Mr. Jones said: "If you want people to come to your country, you should make sure it's safe. In other countries, this wouldn't happen." Holly's father, Shawn Bowers, told the ABC that his daughter's death felt "surreal" and like a "nightmare," emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy.

He stated, "This is possibly something you don't want anyone else to go through." Mr. Bowers' grief was palpable, as he reiterated the call to pay attention to safety issues when traveling overseas, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.