Laos says it cannot determine the cause of six tourist deaths connected to allegedly tainted alcohol, citing limitations in the investigation. According to the country’s Ministry of Public Security, authorities are unable to reach a definitive conclusion because the next of kin of the deceased refuse to grant permission for autopsies. Both outlets report that officials are therefore working without post-mortem examinations that could help establish the circumstances and medical cause of death. The deaths are described as being linked to consumption of alcohol that is suspected to be contaminated, prompting an inquiry and raising public health concerns. The Ministry’s position is that the lack of autopsy permission prevents authorities from confirming what specifically caused the deaths, even as the broader link to tainted alcohol remains under investigation. Authorities continue their efforts to assess the incident, but the families’ decision on autopsies is presented as the main factor blocking a conclusive finding on cause of death.