Laos methanol poisoning victim Holly Bowles dies in Thailand hospital a day after best friend Bianca Jones

A second Australian teen who fell critically ill from a mass methanol poisoning in Laos last week has died in a Thailand hospital.

The family of Holly Bowles delivered the devastating update on Friday, just a day after her best friend Bianca Jones passed away surrounded by loved ones.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Second Australian teen dies in Thailand after methanol poisoning

“It is with broken hearts and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” Bowles’ family said in a statement late on Friday.

“We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness to so many people.

“Holly was living her best life travelling through South East Asia meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.

“As her parents we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did. Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him.

“We would like to thank everyone from back home, in Canada and around the world for the love and support that Holly and our family have received.”

The cafe where Bowles had worked for more than two years paid tribute to “our Holly” on Friday night.

“Holly was the best of us. She was sweet, incredibly kind, reliable, funny, diligent, hardworking and extremely capable. Believe me when I say that I couldn’t fault her,” Frank’s owner Harry Butler said.

“To Shaun, Samantha and the rest of Bowles family and all of Holly’s friends; you’re family, and we at Frank’s are here for you day and night in any capacity.

“I want you to know that we loved and adored your Holly with all our hearts and we’ll miss her so, so much.

“To the Frank’s crew... the significance of taking little Holly under your wings when she first walked through our door is not lost on me.

“You should all be so, so proud of yourselves in helping shape Holly into the wonderful, delightful, capable person she was.

“Finally, to Holly. I’m just so thankful you walked through our door with a resume, kid. I’ll never forget you mate.”

Butler also offered his condolences to the Jones family, saying if there was anything they need “we’ll make it happen”.

‘Beyond sad’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the whole country was thinking of both families during this shattering period.

“I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Holly Bowles. This should have been a trip filled with joy and wonderful memories - it is beyond sad that is it not to be,” he said.

“My thoughts and my deepest sympathies are with her family and her friends.

“I am sure all Australians are thinking of Holly and her best friend Bianca Jones who tragically passed away yesterday.

“The Australian Government will continue to provide support Holly and Bianca’s families and the local authorities.”

Bowles and Jones, both 19 from Melbourne, had been on a dream gap year holiday that was years in the making when they and other foreigners became ill after consuming drinks in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town in the landlocked Southeast Asian nation.

The pair reported feeling unwell on November 13, before being taken to separate hospitals in Bangkok.

Jones’ life support was switched off on Thursday after her family had exhausted all medical avenues.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” her loved ones said.

“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.”

Thai authorities confirmed Jones had died by “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system”.

7NEWS was told her family are making preparations to repatriate her body home but it could take some time due to the police investigation.

The number of casualties from the incident has now increased to six, with Thai authorities confirming earlier on Friday that 28-year-old British lawyer Simone White had also died.

The deaths of two Danish women and American man were previously confirmed by officials in their respective countries.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said drink spiking and methanol poisoning were “far too common in many parts of the world”.

“At this time I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again,” Wong said on Thursday.

Senior police are now searching for answers and say the person responsible could face serious jail time.