EXCLUSIVE: The manager of the Laos backpackers hostel where six people, including Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, died of methanol poisoning has opened a luxury resort.
9News spoke to the former manager of Nana Backpacker, known as Pikachu, who confirmed his connection to the 4-star hotel in the heart of Vang Vieng’s party district.
He said it will be opening in the coming months, but a quick search of online booking websites shows there are rooms available to stay in from tonight.
The revelations are another blow for the Australian families and their search for justice.
“As parents of Holly and Bianca we are angered at the recent news from Laos,” the families said in a joint statement.
“We are disappointed in the Australian government as we are again the last to know.”
Laos police are understood to have recommended charges against 13 people from Nana’s Hostel and a distillery.
It is now up to local prosecutors to decide whether they will proceed with the case.
Referring to the investigation into the deaths Pikachu said: “It’s very bad for the police in Laos checking everything.”
He maintains he and his staff at the backpackers did nothing wrong.
He told 9News they have now been freed and “some are home… and nobody is working right now.”
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said its officials “remain engaged with Lao authorities to reinforce our expectations for a transparent and thorough investigation”.
“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,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
