‘So much seediness’: Melb woman whose brother died in Laos from spiked drink says tourism profits come first

A Cheltenham woman whose brother died from drink spiking in Laos — not far from where two Melbourne teens were poisoned — says a “blind eye” has been turned to the sale of drugs for years, to profit off tourists.

A Cheltenham woman whose brother died in Laos after his drink was spiked seven years ago has revealed her heartbreak for the first time in the wake of the shock deaths of two Melbourne teenagers in the same area.

Cat Williamson told the Saturday Herald Sun the Southeast Asian government has been turning a “blind eye” to the sale of hardcore drugs for years to profit off vulnerable tourists.

Ms Williamson’s brother Anthony Williamson was found dead at his Vang Vieng hotel in 2017 after returning home from a night out in the popular tourist town.

The fit and healthy 43-year-old was spotted arriving back at Maylay Guest House at 4.18am in 2017, carrying a single bottle of beer.

A couple of hours later, his body was discovered in his room by the hotel’s owner after he failed to arrive for a booked tour.

Cat Williamson, whose brother Anthony died of an opioid overdose in Laos in 2017. Picture: Mark Stewart

Speaking publicly for the first time since her brother’s death, Ms Williamson said she wanted to create more awareness about the dangers of Laos’ night-life.

“There’s so much seediness in that area,” she said.

Ms Williamson said she believed her brother’s drink was spiked at a bar after his autopsy revealed he died from an opium overdose.

“I can’t imagine Anthony wanting to try opium,” she said.

“He was a fitness fanatic and ran marathons.

“He was a very intelligent guy. He was so responsible and so accountable.”

Bianca Jones.

Holly Bowles.

It comes after six tourists, including Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, died from a mass methanol poisoning this month after their drinks were spiked in Laos.

WhatsApp messages claimed the girls were at Jaidee’s bar, a venue that offered free spirits and openly sold hardcore drugs.

A printed menu on display at the bar listed “opium, ketamine, ecstasy and marijuana”, while balloons filled with a high-inducing gas were also for sale.

The Saturday Herald Sun understands the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided consular assistance to 111 Australians in Laos since 2015.

This included 73 deaths and 38 hospitalisations with majority of cases involving motorbike accidents or medical reasons like diabetes, cancer, liver disease and heart attacks.

Jaidee’s bar has a drug menu on offer. Picture: David Caird

This week, the Australian government warned travellers of alcohol risks in the area.

“Laos authorities have issued an order prohibiting the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to their concerns about these products being a health risk,” a note read on its Smartraveller website.

“Australians should avoid consuming these products due to these serious safety concerns.

“Be alert to the potential risks particularly with spirit-based drinks including cocktails.”

Ms Williamson said the Laos government had ignored illegal activity at its venues for years.

“I feel like the government there turns a blind eye to the party lifestyle and what is sold at bars,” she said.

Anthony Williamson loved to travel. Picture: Supplied

“I don’t think they have much respect for the people who go over there. They don’t really care what happens to them.

“They basically just want to make money from the tourists. They’re not going to look out for you. They are still allowing this to happen.”

Laos, which shares a border with China, is a one party Communist state.

Ms Williamson said there must be more education about the area to protect Aussie tourists.

“There needs to be more awareness about what can happen,” she said.

“My brother was only there for a few days.

“If it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone.”