Tobacco Firm Tried to Influence Thai Research

Source from:  BangkokPost.com 12/25/2008

Ford and Chrysler face painful reforms after President George W Bush unveiled the $13.4 billion rescue loan for the struggling industry - because in return, Bush demanded tough industry reforms. "Philip Morris scientist Roger Walk [tried] to influence scientific research and training in Thailand via the Chulabhorn Research Institute," claims the study led by Ross MacKenzie of the University of Sydney. Walk "influenced the study and teaching of environmental toxicology," according to the lengthy paper, which cites previously confidential documents from the tobacco industry. The researchers "found that consultants to Philip Morris were able to gain access to the scientific community in Thailand," reported the paper. In addition to influencing the institute's environmental research, Walk "Walk was also able to build relationships with government officials and scientists in Thailand to help advance the interests of Philip Morris in the country and across Asia." According to the paper, the research proves that the tobacco industry managed to infiltrate and influence an important research centre, at around the time it was cementing its new relations with the World Health Organisation. "Such links are of great concern to the public health community," the paper says. "The WHO has stated that a firewall is in place between itself and the tobacco industry" but in fact "this firewall is not impenetrable." It is unclear what specific research or reports Walk and Philip Morris might have influenced or even changed. But the study insists: "[B]etter safeguards must be put in place to prevent tobacco companies from thwarting public health goals." The Australian report came at the same time that a British reserach team published proof that British American Tobacco had actually helped to form the Beijing Liver Foundation of China in order "to reprioritise the agenda of the Ministry of Public Health" on smoking. The peer-reviewed Public Library of Science weekly magazine carried both research papers in this week's issue. Enditem