A third Australian is recovering in hospital after a suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos.
Melburnians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, and four other foreigners died in recent weeks after falling ill in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town in Laos.
It has since been revealed that a third Australian also fell ill in the suspected poisoning incident.
Their condition is reportedly stable and they are receiving support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Local media have reported that eight people have been arrested over the deaths of an American man and two Danish women in Van Vieng, but there was no mention of the two Australians or a British woman who also died from suspected methanol poisoning.
The arrested men were identified as hotel staff and management.
The Australian Federal Police has offered to assist with the investigation in Laos, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese telling Parliament the government had made it clear to officials they expect a thorough and transparent investigation.
Friends of Ms Jones and Ms Bowles from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s south-east have decorated their suburb in their honor with blue and yellow ribbons, the color of the two teenagers’ football team.
The friends were on holiday in Laos when they fell ill and were unable to check out of the Nana Backpackers Hostel on November 13 after a night at the nearby Jaidee Bar.
The pair were evacuated to Thailand and died in separate hospitals in Bangkok after their parents rushed to be at their bedside.
Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones (pictured) died after suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos
Eight employees of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where Melbourne teenager Holly Bowles (above) died after drinking an allegedly contaminated drink, were arrested on Monday
Early tests indicated methanol may be present in beer and spirits served at the Nana Backpackers Hostel (pictured)