Australia Escalates Diplomatic Pressure on Laos Over Methanol Poisoning Case

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 called the outcome "deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointing," demanding "real charges with teeth." Ten hostel staff earlier received suspended sentences for destroying evidence.