Thai shops push to cut FDA vetting role

<p>BANGKOK: Thai advertising agencies are up in arms over what they </p><p>claim is an apparent abuse of power by the Food and Drug Administration </p><p>(FDA) in approving advertisements. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The Advertising Association of Thailand (AAT) has petitioned Public </p><p>Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan to look into the role of the FDA and </p><p>has called for a meeting later this month. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The current law hands the FDA the power to examine the claims made in </p><p>advertisements for food and drugs and to check that they are not </p><p>misleading. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>However, the AAT argues that the FDA has been exceeding its level of </p><p>authority and expertise by screening products for content deemed </p><p>unsuitable to public morals or culture. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The upshot for Thai advertising agencies has been costly delays and a </p><p>stifling of creativity due to ads getting knocked back and the approval </p><p>process having to start from the beginning. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>According to agencies, the screening process can take three weeks. AAT </p><p>president, Parames Rachjaibun, said: "It takes too much time to approve </p><p>and reject advertisements, and FDA judgements have become personal and </p><p>are not professional. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"They have crossed the boundary of what they should do, which is check </p><p>for the benefit of the claim made in the advertisement of the </p><p>product. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"Whether the ad is too sexy, too violent or is not good for society - </p><p>that is not their role. They are not qualified to do this." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The Consumer Protection Board and the Censorship Board are currently </p><p>empowered to check advertisements for dubious content. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The surge in complaints by AAT members and a new Government in power has </p><p>provided a growing push for change in the FDA's vetting power. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"Now there is a new Government, which is trying to support business </p><p>people, there is an opportunity for us to be heard," said Parames. "We </p><p>need to limit the responsibility and role of the FDA. It is time for a </p><p>change." </p><p><BR><BR> </p>