The family of a British tourist who died in a mass methanol poisoning in Laos has described the failure to bring charges directly related to her death as a 'slap in the face'. Simone White, 28, from Orpington, south-east London, was among six international visitors who died after consuming free shots believed to be tainted with methanol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024. The other victims included two Australians, two Danish citizens, and an American.
Last week, authorities in the South-East Asian country stated they could not ascertain if the deaths 'were caused by the actions of any individual or by any particular cause, because no autopsies were conducted'. This conclusion has been met with disbelief by Simone's brother, Zak, who told BBC Newsbeat he found it 'pretty ridiculous'. He highlighted that a death certificate issued in Laos for his sister explicitly lists 'methanol toxicity' as one of the causes of death, questioning how this evidence could be overlooked.
While 10 individuals received suspended sentences and fines for destruction of evidence in February, and a distillery owner faces charges for selling harmful food products and operating an illegal business, none of these charges directly address the deaths of Simone and the five others. Laos officials did confirm finding 'excessive levels of methanol' in vodka produced at the implicated distillery. The Australian government has also voiced its 'deep frustration and bitter disappointment' that more serious charges have not been pursued.
Simone's family, alongside her childhood friend Bethany Clarke, who also fell ill but survived the incident, have been campaigning for greater awareness of methanol dangers through their 'MethaKnow' initiative. The UK government has since launched its own awareness campaign and updated travel advice for 29 destinations, including Laos, with specific warnings. However, both Zak and Bethany have expressed feeling 'left in the dark' by the UK government regarding updates on the case, stating they have relied on information from affected Danish and Australian families.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office acknowledged that 'bereaved families have endured a long and painful wait for answers' and described the latest update as 'undoubtedly a source of further grief and frustration'. The Foreign Office reiterated that it has made clear to Laos its expectation for 'robust action to be taken against those responsible' and confirmed officials remain in 'close contact' with Simone's family. Meanwhile, the hostel where the incident occurred has reportedly been rebranded as the Paradise Hostel, with vacancies available online.