The packs will show pictures of cancerous lungs (Chiba Univ)

But she said that the government was confident that it could defend the move to deter Thailand's 10.2 million smokers, 1.3 million of whom are under 25.

The proposed law, which will be posted in the Royal Gazette in the next two months and will take effect one year later, is being drafted with teenage smokers in mind.

Tobacco producer Phillip Morris (Thailand) Ltd, reportedly sent a protest letter to the health ministry in late February, according to the AFP news agency.

Shocking warnings

The proposed law would require all cigarette makers to emblazon their packaging with graphic photographs and shock text with information about potential smoking-related disabilities such as lung cancer, strokes and impotence.

"Anybody who is concerned for the health of the general public will not oppose the new law," said Deputy Public Health Minister Surapong Suebwonglee.

Canada has already introduced a similar campaign

"I want to ask the opponents of the law whether they are concerned of the health of the public or the health of their companies."

Alarmed at the rate of underage smoking, the government has already banned film and television dramas from showing characters smoking.

It has also banned tobacco advertising in newspapers and on TV and radio.

The Health Ministry has also proposed banning lighting up in air-conditioned restaurants throughout the country by September.

Graphic warnings on cigarette packets are already in force in Canada, where there, too, tobacco companies unsuccessfully sought to have them banned.