Japan firm sues Thailand over cigarette packet warnings

Japan Tobacco is suing the Thai government over plans to introduce larger and more prominent anti-smoking warnings on cigarette packets, the company said yesterday, as rival Philip Morris vowed similar action.

Thailand has decided to extend health warnings to cover 85 per cent of both sides of every cigarette packet sold in the country, from 50 per cent previously. The new rule is due to come into effect in October.

But the Tokyo-based firm said the planned changes from Thailand's public health ministry would have a "disproportionate impact on legitimate competition, intellectual property rights and freedom of expression". Japan Tobacco is one of the world's biggest cigarette firms, with brands including Winston and Benson & Hedges.

"In order to protect its ability to continue to use its brands and key trademarks in Thailand, JTI [Japan Tobacco International] has initiated a legal challenge against this notification," the company said in a statement, referring to a lawsuit filed in Thailand on June 19.

The company added that adult smokers should be "appropriately informed" before deciding to smoke and smokers "should continue to be reminded" about health risks.