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The family of one of the two Melbourne teenagers on life support in Thailand following a horrific drink-spiking incident has said the best friends were enjoying a "dream getaway" when the tragedy struck.
Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, aged 19, were enjoying a backpacking holiday with friends in Laos when they became critically ill after it's believed they consumed methanol.
Two other travellers have died and at least a dozen people have reportedly been hospitalised after also drinking the substance.
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Bianca's family has this afternoon released a statement from her bedside in a Thai hospital.
"Our beautiful Bianca was on a dream getaway with her best friend Holly," it reads.
"They were filled with joy and had such incredible adventures ahead of them, travelling through Asia.
"We are here by Bianca's bedside praying for her.
"Please respect our privacy at this difficult time."
Bianca is being treated in a Thai hospital, while Holly is in care in a different hospital in Bangkok, after the incident occurred in Vang Vieng, Laos.
The pair had both played for Beaumaris Football Club, with club president Nicholas Heath today telling reporters it was a "difficult and unfolding situation".
"Holly's father Sean was an assistant coach this year which is what the community football club is all about. The father and daughter relationship," he said.
"The families have gone over there to offer their support.
"Holly is incredibly respected amongst her teammates. She was an incredibly tough competitor on the field.
"We've got a very tight group of players at the footy club."
Heath said the club would be wrapping its arms around all the teammates.
"As a football club, we feel a little bit inadequate, a lot of their teammates are quite rightly distraught," he said.
Bowles, who had graduated from Beaumaris Secondary College just last year, had been spending her gap year travelling.
Her best friend, Jones, had recently graduated from Mentone Girls' Grammar and started university this year.
Mentone Girls' Grammar Principal Natalie Charles today described the event as "tragic."
"By now, you may have seen news reports naming Bianca Jones, from the Class of 2023, as one of the young people involved in the tragic drink-spiking incident in Laos," Charles said in an email to the school community.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the beautiful Bianca and her family at this time and we respect their public request for privacy.
"It is difficult to ascertain the facts of this unfolding situation but as we await further clarification, we seek to support the wellbeing of our staff, students and the Class of 2023."
Charles noted a space at the school would be open today as a "quiet space for those who may be seeking comfort in the presence of others".
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Cafe workers at Frank's Melbourne in Cheltenham said Bowles had worked at the business for more than two years.
"She's just an absolute star. She's a bundle of joy. To know her is to love her," the cafe manager, who did not want to be named, told The Age.
"We're just praying for the family. She's just a loyal, caring sweet person. We value her so much as a friend as well as a colleague."
The cafe opened its doors this morning after closing yesterday.
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9News was told the Melbourne teens informed staff at the Nana Backpackers that they were feeling unwell.
"They come and tell my staff at the reception, the night shift, to bring them, go to hospital," the Nana Backpackers hostel manager told 9News.
The hostel manager said the police came to check the alcohol in the venue, which hosts happy hours every night with free vodka and whiskey.
"But it's very normal. Alcohol is every bar, every hostel, they buy the same," he said.
9News understands the girls had been to a number of bars while staying in Laos.
Family members have flown to Thailand to be by the side of the two girls.
It's understood their parents flew to Bangkok, where they are in hospital, on Friday.
Methanol is a clear liquid chemical used in thousands of everyday products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics, and fuels.
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It's often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, according to the Methanol Institute.
Drinking just 25-90ml of methanol can be fatal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provided 9News with a statement yesterday.
A spokesperson said they were "providing consular assistance" to two Australians and their families in Thailand.
"Our thoughts are with them at this deeply distressing time," a spokesperson said.
"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment."
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