"I'm slightly perplexed by the absence of the Foreign Office representative. In fairness to the Foreign Office representative, it may be that there is nothing more she can do and the inquest may be hamstrung as criminal proceedings continue in Laos."
"The 10 that were under investigation [for destroying evidence] appeared in court and got fines of something like $120, I think it was, in relation to I believe a US gentleman that passed away. The distillery owner's investigation for contamination is still ongoing."
Simone White, 28, from London, died in a Thai hospital on November 21, 2024, after consuming drinks allegedly laced with methanol at a hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos. She was among multiple people hospitalized; five others died including Australian teenagers, an American, and Danish tourists. At a pre-inquest review hearing, Assistant Coroner Sebastian Naughton noted his surprise at the Foreign Office's absence, though acknowledged they may have limited involvement given ongoing Laotian criminal proceedings. White's stepfather reported that ten individuals faced investigation for destroying evidence and received fines of approximately $120, while the distillery owner's contamination investigation continues. A further review hearing is scheduled for April or May.
#methanol-poisoning #laos-backpacker-deaths #inquest-proceedings #foreign-office-involvement #criminal-investigation
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