Tobacco group wants state monopoly to end.

Byline: Chatrudee Theparat

Dec. 12--Chiang Mai -- A tobacco industry group based here has called on the government to dismantle its state monopoly over the tobacco business and allow new investment from foreign companies.

Although the industry is often branded a "sin business", hundreds of thousands of rural people make a living off of tobacco, according to Kumron Phatong, president of the Thai Tobacco Growers, Curers and Dealers Association.

At present, local cigarette production is controlled by the state-run Thailand Tobacco Monopoly (TTM). Allowing more than one cigarette manufacturer would benefit farmers, who could expand production, Mr Kumron …