Anti-smoking groups hit out at news that the tobacco industry plans to stage an exhibition and conference in Bangkok, saying the move would have an adverse impact on efforts to limit smoking.

Action on Smoking and Health Foundation and its allies said they opposed Tabinfo Asia 2009 being held in Thailand. Dr Prakit Watheesathokkij, secretary general of the association, said tobacco companies would also display their new cigarette packs and allow smoking inside the exhibition hall, despite the fact Thai law banned the display of cigarettes in all kind of places and only allowed people to smoke in specific areas. Prakit also warned Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, which will have staff at the event, to stop the organiser holding the exhibition as multinational tobacco companies could attend and it could boost smoking. A similar event was held in Brazil last year and met with protests by local people, which caused the organiser to scale down plans from a big exhibition to a small-scale function instead. Public health minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said he would ask the department of disease control to team up with the department of excise to study the event to see if it will violate Thai laws. (sra)