The Laos Ministry of Public Security stated that no autopsies were conducted, leaving insufficient forensic evidence to establish a cause of death. While a distillery owner faces charges for selling harmful food products and operating an illegal business — carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and an 829 pounds fine — no charges have been filed directly related to the deaths. Australia expressed being "deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed" that more serious charges were not pursued, and summoned Laos' ambassador in Canberra. Authorities did find "excessive levels of methanol" in vodka from the distillery involved. Methanol is a toxic substance normally found in paint thinner, sometimes illegally mixed with alcohol to reduce costs. It is colourless, tastes similar to alcohol, and can be lethal even in small amounts — the body converts it into formaldehyde and formic acid. Many victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where guests failed to check out after falling ill on November 13. This year, 10 people connected to the hostel received suspended sentences and fines for destroying evidence. Vang Vieng is a popular riverside hub for backpackers traveling through Southeast Asia. (BBC)