Anti-tobacco network protests at tobacco trade exhibition
BANGKOK, – Thailand’s anti-tobacco network has organised activities to oppose a three day Asia-wide tobacco trade exhibition which started Wednesday at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre in Nonthaburi, in suburban Bangkok.
Comprising more than 1,000 young people, the student protesters gathered at the venue where Tabinfo Asia 2009 opens Thursday amid tightened security by about 100 police officers. Barricades were in place to prevent protesters and the media to enter the fair.
Secretary-General Prakit Vateesatokit of the Campaign for Non-Smoking Foundation said that the gathering was convened to oppose all kinds of tobacco promotional activities, many of which target young people.
The anti-tobacco group also called for the government to comply with the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and government agencies are neither allowed to join any activities related to the tobacco industry nor accept any funding from tobacco businesses or lobbying groups.
Associate Professor Dr. Jiraporn Limpananont of Pharmaceutical Science for Health Promotion said the campaign by the anti-tobacco network at least was fruitful as the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly cancelled its activity in this event. The campaign also disclosed documents alleged to be confidential from the files of international tobacco companies disclosing plans to expand their market among young people.
Dongkamol Pawaphutanond, a representative of young people against tobacco, said the tobacco industry introduced cigarettes with fruit and chocolate scents to lure young people as new smokers. Young people should work together to counter tobacco promotional campaigns.
On November 3, an anti-smoking network, the Thai Network against Tabinfo Asia 2009, submitted 50,000 signatures to the Thai prime minister to oppose the event. The group does not agree with event organisers who are gathering under the slogan ‘If You Win Thailand, You Win the World.’
Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nop-amornbodi said Thailand has 14 million smokers, according to official statistics. The data showed that nearly 46 per cent of men and 3.1 per cent of women were smokers. However, 60 per cent of smokers tend to quit smoking and about 4.6 million Thai smokers have stopped smoking. (TNA)
General News : 11 November 2009 Mcot
