Melbourne victims of Laos hostel posionings
Share this @internewscast.com
EXCLUSIVE: The former operator of a Laos hostel where six individuals, among them teenagers from Melbourne named Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, tragically died due to methanol poisoning, has now launched a luxury resort.

In an interview with 9News, the ex-manager of Nana Backpacker, known as Pikachu, acknowledged his involvement with a 4-star hotel situated in Vang Vieng’s lively party district.

Melbourne victims of Laos hostel posionings
The manager of the Laos backpackers hostel where six people, including Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones (pictured), died of methanol poisoning has opened a luxury resort. (9News)

He mentioned that the resort would open in the forthcoming months; however, a quick check on travel websites shows that rooms are available for booking as early as tonight.

The revelations are another blow for the Australian families and their search for justice.

“As parents of Holly and Bianca we are angered at the recent news from Laos,” the families said in a joint statement.

“We are disappointed in the Australian government as we are again the last to know.”

Laos police are understood to have recommended charges against 13 people from Nana’s Hostel and a distillery.

It is now up to local prosecutors to decide whether they will proceed with the case.

Referring to the investigation into the deaths Pikachu said: “It’s very bad for the police in Laos checking everything.”

Melbourne victims of Laos hostel posionings
The Australian families of the victims say they are ‘angered’ by the news as they wait for justice (9News)
Melbourne victims of Laos hostel posionings
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said its officials “remain engaged with Laos authorities to reinforce our expectations for a transparent and thorough investigation”. (9News)

He maintains he and his staff at the backpackers did nothing wrong.

He told 9News they have now been freed and “some are home… and nobody is working right now.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement saying that their officials continue to engage with Laos authorities to emphasize the need for a transparent and comprehensive investigation.

“The Australian Government will continue to do everything possible to assist Holly and Bianca’s families, and to reduce the risks of a tragedy like this happening again,” a DFAT spokesperson said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Fiery Debate Ignites: Liberal Senator Slams Push to Ditch Net Zero Goals

Liberals senator Andrew Bragg has warned he will resign from the frontbench…
Premier responds to state funeral question for John Laws

Premier Addresses Possibility of State Funeral for John Laws

The possibility of a state funeral for the iconic broadcaster John Laws…
Sione Tuipulotu and Finn Russell reflect on another failure to end the All Blacks' dominance

Scotland’s Missed Opportunities: Why the Killer Instinct Remains Elusive on the Big Stage

In the world of sports, the term “clutch” lacks a precise dictionary…

Breaking Stereotypes: Kodie’s Bold Vision for First Nations Representation on Screen

The world needs more naughty First Nations characters. At least, that’s what…
Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks with reporters at the Capitol Subway on day 36th of the government shutdown, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, in Washington.

Centrist Democrats Initiate Efforts to Resolve US Government Shutdown

The Senate made a significant move on Sunday toward ending the ongoing…
Teenagers hands hold social media signs in their hands: Youtube, Snapchat, Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook. Teenagers addicted to new technology trends - concept of youth, technology, social and friendship. Turkey, Istanbul, May 29, 2022.

Breaking Down Australia’s Upcoming Social Media Ban: What to Expect and How It Impacts You

Australia is set to make history as the first nation to restrict…
BBC faces leadership crisis after news bosses quit over Trump edit

BBC Leadership in Turmoil Following Resignations Over Trump Report Edit

The BBC is grappling with a leadership upheaval and intensifying political scrutiny…

Breaking News: Israel Confirms Return of Fallen Soldier Hadar Goldin’s Remains from Gaza After 9 Years

Israel said the remains it received on Sunday from Hamas were those…
The fire on December 20, 2019, impacted numerous South Australians, destroying more than 80 homes, ravaging over 20,000 hectares, and tragically claiming one life.

Victims of Devastating Bushfires Pursue $200 Million in Pioneering Class Action Lawsuit

Victims of the catastrophic Cudlee Creek bushfire, which tore through South Australia…
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 26 August 2025.

Government Stands Firm on Kids’ Social Media Ban Despite Admitting Potential Flaws

A new regulation mandating certain social media companies to restrict access for…
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 07: Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing The Hon Mark Butler MP speaks in Question Time on October 07, 2025 in Canberra, Australia. Australia's parliament convened for sittings as a number of pressing issues come to the fore, from inflation and cost of living domestically to Australia's relationship with its allies in the region and beyond internationally. (Photo by Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images)

Health Insurance Premium Surge: Millions of Australians Face Significant Increase in Costs

For the first time in five years, Australians with private health insurance…
Woman's miraculous escape from car in path of a train

Woman Narrowly Escapes After Car Becomes Trapped on Train Tracks

A woman in Queensland made a miraculous escape after becoming trapped when…