Vientiane Province Police Provide Update on Foreign Tourist Deaths in Vang Vieng

Vientiane: On 17 July 2026, Pol. Col. Khamfong Vongdalasen, Deputy Director of the Vientiane Province Public Security Headquarters, held a press conference to provide an update on the investigation into the sudden illness and subsequent deaths of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng district in November 2024. The briefing was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the embassies of the victims' respective home countries. According to Lao News Agency, Pol. Col. Khamfong stated that, following approval from relevant authorities, the investigation team had been authorised to publicly disclose its findings and the evidence collected so far. The six victims were identified as James Louis Hutson from the United States, Anne-Sofie and Freja Vennervald from Denmark, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones from Australia, and Simone White from the United Kingdom. The investigation commenced on 14 November 2024, when a report was received that an American tourist had die d at Vang Vieng District Hospital. Provincial and district police launched an inquiry, examining the body and conducting a forensic search of Room 205 at the Nana Backpackers Hostel. It was established that the American tourist had actually died at the hostel on 13 November 2024, before staff transported the body to the hospital. During the room's forensic examination, several items were found, including medication, six bottles of Beerlao, three bottles of Tiger Vodka, an empty bottle of green 7UP, two bottles of drinking water, and a note believed to be a suicide note. While investigating the initial death, police were informed of two Danish tourists who developed severe symptoms. They were admitted to Vang Vieng District Hospital but were later transferred to the 103 Military Hospital in Vientiane, where they died. Authorities confirmed that the two Australian nationals and the British national also died after becoming seriously ill during the same period. Investigators have not conclusively determined t he exact medical cause of death for five of the victims, as no post-mortem examinations were conducted. However, critical evidence was obtained, including laboratory test results from the Food and Drug Research Centre, which found methanol concentrations in Vodka Tiger exceeding safety standards. Medical findings from the Australian Embassy confirmed methanol presence in the blood samples of the deceased Australian tourists. Col. Khamfong stated that police will continue to collect information and evidence in a thorough and legally sound manner. Authorities have ordered the Nana Backpackers Hostel to suspend operations, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the hostel owner and 10 employees. Their passports have been confiscated, preventing them from leaving Lao PDR until legal proceedings conclude. Col. Khamfong concluded by noting extensive cooperation between public security authorities, forensic specialists, health officials, diplomatic missions, and international partners. Authorities remai n committed to a transparent and impartial investigation, continuing cooperation with relevant foreign embassies. Further findings will be released as the investigation progresses and additional evidence is verified.