Australia Summons Lao Ambassador, Sends Envoy Over Methanol Poisoning Charges

Australia summoned Laos's ambassador and dispatched envoy Pablo Kang to Vientiane after Laos signalled charges carrying up to one year's jail over six 2024 methanol-poisoning deaths. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia was "deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed" and wanted "real charges with teeth." Ten hostel staff earlier received suspended sentences for destroying evidence.