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
The government's plan to underwrite fuel costs is aimed to shore up supply and bring down costs.

Government Allocates Taxpayer Money to Offset Rising Petrol Prices

The Albanese government will use public funds to bring down the cost…
Truck driver Robert Cook warning over diesel shortage

Pressure Mounts to Slash $3 Billion Tax Amid Escalating Fuel Crisis Concerns

Australia’s business chambers want the federal government to reduce the heavy vehicle…

Global Shipping Reroutes: What Australia’s Future Looks Like Amid Hormuz Disruption

In Brief Gulf countries have invested in alternatives long before the Hormuz…
Man accused of stealing $1500 in diesel forced to siphon it back in

Suspected Diesel Thief Ordered to Return $1500 Worth of Fuel in Unusual Court Ruling

As fuel prices continue to rise, some drivers are reportedly resorting to…
Bidwill, Sydney after-school brawl

Adults Encourage Fighting Schoolchildren in Startling Video

Shocking footage has emerged, showing adults seemingly cheering on students in school…

Lebanon’s Involvement in Israel’s Middle East Strategy: An Emerging Dynamic

Lebanon has historically been a hotspot in the Middle East, with its…

Man in Critical Condition Following Suspected Hit-and-Run Incident

Authorities continue their search for a vehicle and its driver following a…
Marie (left) and Steph Browitt (right) lost two family members in the eruption at White Island in 2019. Steph suffered extensive burns in the tragedy and spent months in hospital

Australian Woman Forms Heartfelt Connection with Heroic Cab Driver After White Island Tragedy, Shares Inspiring Plans to Move to New Zealand

In the aftermath of a catastrophic natural disaster that struck a popular…

Unveiling Iran’s Power Shift: Meet the New Leaders Steering the Nation

The recent US-Israeli strikes have significantly impacted Iran, claiming the lives of…
Police stand outside the Bank of America building in Paris, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Nicolas Garriga)

French Authorities Prevent Potential Bomb Attack in Paris

French police have thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of…
Donald Trump speaking about his favourite pen at a cabinet meeting today.

Survey Identifies Key Figures Australians Hold Responsible for Fuel Crisis

According to the latest poll conducted by The Australian Financial Review in…
Helen Lister and Angie List travelled to Paris, France together in 2010.

In Helen’s Last Days, Swallowing Became Impossible: A Family’s Heartfelt Struggle

Helen Lister was a beacon of positivity for her family, bringing light…