Members of an anti-smoking group demonstrates against TabInfo Asia 2009 (an Asia Pacific tobacco industry event) in Bangkok Nov. 11, 2009. Over 500 anti-smoking protestors demonstrated against the tobacco meetings in Bangkok as manufacturers of tobacco gathered to discuss smoking regulations. (Chaiwat Subprasom/Reuters)

Asia's pushback to big tobacco

The cigarette industry wants a bigger slice of Asia. Activists want them to butt out.

By Patrick Winn - GlobalPost
Published: November 15, 2009 12:30 ET

BANGKOK, Thailand – Assailed by the western world’s laws, taxes and anti-smoking mores, the global tobacco industry has little choice but to keep pushing eastward into Asia.

Tobacco bosses learned this week that some Asians are ready to push back.

This week, more than 500 screaming protesters converged outside TabInfo Asia 2009, the region’s largest tobacco...

Recent on Thailand:

Silicon Sweatshops: A promising model

Jonathan Adams and Kathleen E. McLaughlin - China and its neighbors - November 18, 2009 06:54 ET

There's no easy way to police supply chains in Asia. But one US high-tech firm and its Taiwan supplier are taking a creative approach that might just work.

Special report: Silicon Sweatshops

Jonathan Adams and Kathleen E. McLaughlin - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 15:05 ET

Despite strict "codes of conduct," labor rights violations are the norm at factories making the world's favorite high-tech gadgets.

What do you think about Silicon Sweatshops?

News Desk - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 15:04 ET

Are high-tech supply chains in Asia good business or exploitation? You decide.

Silicon Sweatshops: Shattered dreams

Jonathan Adams - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 07:24 ET

Migrant workers making gadgets at Taiwan's high-tech parks sign deals that make them modern-day indentured servants.

Silicon Sweatshops: The China connection

Kathleen E. McLaughlin and Jonathan Adams - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 07:22 ET

For migrant workers, an electronics factory job can be a ticket into China's booming middle class. But for many, it turns into a nightmare of poor working conditions and indifferent bosses.

Silicon Sweatshops: Disposable workforce

Jonathan Adams - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 07:22 ET

Laid-off Taiwanese workers accuse their firm of violating industry codes even when times were good.

Gay sex on film? No problem. Baring political rifts, problem.

Patrick Winn - Thailand - November 8, 2009 11:02 ET

Live and let live in Thailand. Except when one gay man is Buddhist, and the other is Muslim.

Tweeting from Fugitiveland

Patrick Winn - Thailand - November 2, 2009 06:35 ET

Thailand's ex-premier is on the run. And he wants the Twitterati to know about it.

Child sex boom fueled by poverty

Deena Guzder - Thailand - October 29, 2009 11:24 ET

It's just another dark day in Thailand.

Fake Viagra, and more, in Bangkok

Patrick Winn - Thailand - October 23, 2009 08:54 ET

Pharmo-piracy sweeps Thailand, and the rest of Southeast Asia. It's a deadly problem.

A World of Trouble: Is the nightmare over?

Thomas Mucha - Commerce - October 14, 2009 13:35 ET

With signs of economic recovery finally emerging, here's where things stand in 20 countries around the world.

On Location: Bangkok — Heal Thailand with love

Patrick Winn and Pailin Wedel - Thailand - October 14, 2009 11:20 ET

Why this face frightens the average Thai

Patrick Winn - Thailand - October 10, 2009 09:05 ET

Thais have a fear of illegal immigrants that parallels that of Americans. The UN wants to change that.

Thailand's country music megastar

Patrick Winn - Thailand - September 22, 2009 08:58 ET

Paper airplane, or paper tiger?

Patrick Winn - Thailand - September 12, 2009 07:28 ET

Meet Mong Thongdee, a 12-year-old "security threat" in Thailand.

News analysis: Malaysian model drinks beer, asks to be caned

Thomas Mucha - Commerce - August 24, 2009 06:25 ET

The wacky story of the week comes from, where else, Asia?

The great elephant exodus

Patrick Winn - Thailand - August 15, 2009 13:53 ET

Video: Bangkok's governor promises an elephant-free city by next summer. Fat chance?

Meet the economic gangsters

Mark Scheffler - Commerce - August 12, 2009 09:03 ET

Economic gangsters come in all shapes and sizes — they're Asian dictators and Somali pirates.

Doing business in Thailand? Please ignore the burning bus.

Patrick Winn - Thailand - August 7, 2009 07:23 ET

Thailand is more competitive than India or South Korea. Will anyone notice through the haze of protests?

Global Blogs:

The invisible elephant

Philip Golingai, Author/Philip Golingai Blog - Thailand - November 21, 2009 00:46 ET

THAI TAKESBy PHILIP GOLINGAISO what is really happening (politically) in Thailand?” a visiting American academician specialising in South-East Asian politics asked me.Instinctively, I glanced to my...

George Talks

Bangkok Dan, Author/Absolutely Bangkok Blog - Thailand - November 19, 2009 03:59 ET

He’s an institution: George, founder and owner of Thaivisa.com, Thailand’s probably most popular website among foreigners with its unique forum. George is the brain behind the success, but success invites envy and jealousy, so not all you read about Thaivisa is...

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