Australia Pushes Laos for Tougher Charges After Tourist Deaths

Australia called in Laos's top diplomat and sent envoy Pablo Kang to Laos after the country signalled charges of up to one year's jail over six deaths from methanol poisoning in 2024. Methanol is a toxic alcohol sometimes illegally mixed into drinks. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was "deeply frustrated" and wanted "real charges with teeth." Ten hostel staff earlier got suspended sentences for destroying evidence.