Outrage as backpackers hostel where Aussie teens died plans to reopen: ‘They should be banned’

The survivor of a lethal suspected methanol poisoning at a Laos hostel, which killed two Melbourne teenage girls, has slammed plans for the venue to reopen.

Best friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng when they became sick after drinking at the bar in November.

The 19-year-olds were among six tourists who died after suffering from suspected methanol poisoning. 

The Herald Sun published photos on Saturday that suggested the venue, which has been closed since the incident, was planning to reopen.

The images, taken this week, showed new paintwork and repairs, including a green trim on the windows of the upper floors.

There is a banner at the entrance which reads ‘VangVieng Central Backpackers Hostel’, implying there has been a change of name. 

British 28-year-old Bethany Clarke survived the alleged poisoning which killed her friend Simone White.

She has shared her outrage that the hostel could reopen, saying: ‘This site should be a memorial, I don’t want to see anyone staying there.’

British woman Bethany Clarke (left) has slammed the hostel in Laos where her friend Simone White (right) died after suspected methanol poisoning

Photos of the Nana Backpackers Hostel from this week suggest it has been rebranded, with new paintwork and a change of name ‘Vang Vieng Central Backpackers Hostel’ 

Advertisements for the newly-named hostel have appeared on the travel sites TripAdvisor and Agoda.

Among the photos are images showing the same bar where the tragic incident occurred, and the pool can be seen in the gallery of one listing.

‘It’s completely unbelievable, they shouldn’t be allowed to advertise on TripAdvisor and Agoda, they should be banned,’ Ms Clarke said.

‘When you go on to the site Vang Vieng Central Backpackers you can see the pool at Nanas, so it appears they are linked.’

There are currently no available dates listed on the advertisements of either travel website.

Asked about a potential reopening, a spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they were working to avoid repeat incidents.

‘The Australian Government will continue to do everything possible to assist Holly and Bianca’s families, and to reduce the risks of a tragedy like this happening again,’ the spokesperson said. 

‘Our officials remain engaged with Laos authorities to reinforce our expectations for a transparent and thorough investigation.’

Adverts on travel websites have included photos of the hostel bar where the suspected methanol poisoning occurred, but with the new name for the venue

One TripAdvisor gallery photo for Vang Vieng Central Backpackers Hostel clearly shows the pool of Nanas Backpackers 

The Laos Government said it would conduct an investigation into the cause of the Novemeber incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Danish friends Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Sorensen, 21, and American James Hutson, 57, also died in the same incident.

Eight men aged between 23 and 47 were taken into custody following arrests by police on November 25 as part of an investigation into the suspected poisonings.

Among those arrested by Vang Vieng police were general staff and managers.

There was no suggestion at the time that those detained were responsible for the tourists’ deaths.

A further five people, who were linked to the Tiger distillery, including the manufacturer of the drinks served, were also taken in for questioning.

In February, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told federal parliament that authorities in Laos declined the offer of assistance from Australian Federal Police in its investigation of the incident.

He vowed that Australian authorities wouldn’t drop the matter.

Melbourne teens Bianca Jones (left) and Holly Bowles (right) were among the tourists who died after staying at the hostel 

An investigation by the Laos government into the suspected poisoning remains ongoing

‘I would want to assure the families of Bianca and Holly that we remain in contact with the Laos authorities and that the offer of assistance is being consistently offered,’ he said.

The teens’ families said in a joint statement they were ‘extremely disappointed’ by the lack of updates.

‘As the Laos government rejects any support from the AFP our confidence in accountability and justice for everyone affected remains unanswered,’ it said.

Daily Mail Australia contacted the Laos embassy in Canberra for comment.

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