Brother of London lawyer killed in mass Laos poisoning slams 'joke' £135 fines

The brother of Simone White has slammed the punishment given to those involved in the Laos methanol poisoning which killed his sister - (PA Media)

The brother of a British woman who died after drinking methanol-laced shots in Laos has slammed the punishment as an “absolute joke”.

Simone White, 28, was one of six people who tragically died after drinking free shots at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, in November 2024.

Ms White’s family was recently told by the UK government that 10 people charged with destruction of evidence had been given suspended sentences and fines of $185 (£135) each.

There are currently no further plans of action to be taken against them.

Her brother, Zak White, told BBC Newsbeat: "I don't think we're ever going to get to the bottom of what happened and get a fair punishment."

Simone White was one of 100 guests who were given the free shots at the hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos (Facebook)

At the time of the poisoning, Ms White, her childhood friend, Bethany Clarke, and around 100 guests were given free shots at the hostel in Laos.

It was believed that the drinks were laced with methanol, a poisonous substance usually found in paint thinner, and sometimes used to illegally save on costs.

The next day, both friends felt ill and were eventually taken to the hospital, where Ms White, a trainee lawyer, was put on life support and later died.

In the time following her death, Ms White’s family and Ms Clarke have been campaigning for answers from authorities in Laos, as well as spreading awareness of the dangers of methanol.

The UK Foreign Office has now confirmed that 13 suspects were initially arrested, BBC Newsbeat reported.

Of those, 10 people attached to the Nana Hostel were convicted for destruction of evidence.

Ms White was killed while staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng (AP)

The owner of the distillery, who is thought to have supplied the methanol, is believed to be awaiting trial.

Nana’s Backpacker Hostel was told by Laos' Ministry of Public Security that it could not reopen until court proceedings concluded, the Foreign Office said.

However, BBC Newsbeat reported that listings for a rebranded “Paradise Hostel” are still available on Booking.com and Agoda.

Newsbeat was told that the hostel was now under new ownership, but reported that the listing disappeared from Booking.com after "unusual activity" in its reviews.

According to a spokesperson, it had suspended the listing temporarily for breaching its terms and conditions.