Australian authorities say they are frustrated with the legal process following the methanol poisoning deaths of two Melbourne teenagers in Laos and are pressing for what they call more serious charges. The 19-year-old backpackers, Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, died after drinking tainted alcohol at a hostel in Vang Vieng in late 2024. Multiple outlets report that Lao authorities are expected to announce charges after an investigation, with suggestions that officials may pursue lesser offences than families and the Australian government want. The Australian government says it is “deeply frustrated” and will continue to seek “real charges with teeth.” Families of the victims describe themselves as disgusted and angry and say they fear the outcome could be inadequate. One report states that charges have been laid against the owner of a distillery in Laos connected to the incident. Across coverage, all sources focus on the contrast between the expected charges and the harsher accountability the families and Australia are calling for, as well as the time that has passed since the deaths.