The Green Party is outraged that New Zealand is putting pressure on Thailand over its bid to put warning labels on alcohol.

The World Trade Organisation said the European Union, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Mexico and the United States had raised concerns about Thailand's intentions to put health advisory messages on alcohol bottles.

The opponents argued the labelling requirements created unnecessary obstacles to trade and could be misleading.

But, Green MP Sue Kedgley said the Government should not interfere in Thailand's efforts to curb the harm caused by alcohol. Especially when a number of submissions on the Alcohol Reform Bill supported New Zealand introducing similar labelling.

"In the interests of free trade our Government is intent on sabotaging a positive initiative that will assist in the health and well-being of people in Thailand."

It was an example of the pursuit of free trade at all costs, Kedgley said.

"New Zealanders should be concerned that our trade representatives are trying to interfere in the sovereign rights of another nation."

- © Fairfax NZ News