Thailand: Officials Defend New Tobacco Labels

Source from:  Bangkok Post  06/27/2013

The Public Health Ministry insists a ministerial requirement for tobacco firms to enlarge warning labels on cigarette packaging is lawful.

The ministry followed proper procedures and regulations regarding the issuing of a requirement for tobacco firms to put bigger graphic warnings on their products, Public Health Minister Pradit Sintawanarong said.

He made his remarks in response to threats on Tuesday by the Thai Tobacco Trade Association _ including tobacco giants Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco Inc _ to sue the ministry over the new rules which are set to take effect from Dec 31 this year.

The ministry has ordered tobacco firms to enlarge warning labels to cover 85% of the total visible packaging space. Current rules, in effect since 2010, require warning labels to cover just 55% of the packaging.

The tobacco companies want the courts to rule whether the ministerial regulation breaks the law.

Dr Pradit said the association and the companies had the right to sue the ministry, but should avoid taking the matter before the courts.

He acknowledged the larger warning labels could harm sales of the companies' products. The ministry, however, is ready to defend the rules before the court, he said. He said a ban already applies to cigarette displays in shops.

"We understood that enlarging graphic warnings on cigarette packs might affect the sale of cigarettes, but [the companies] must understand they make money at the expense of people's health," Dr Pradit said. Enditem