Australia denounced Laos' response to a 2024 tainted alcohol poisoning that killed six tourists, saying Friday it is "bitterly disappointed" the country is not pressing stronger charges.

DFAT has told the parents of the teens who died after a mass methanol poisoning incident that Lao authorities were unlikely to lay down severe charges.

Foreign officials suggested the owner could face up to four years in prison, if convicted, after the victims’ families were devastated by the possibility of a lesser penalty.