Results: Ever and current smoking rates varied substantially between these countries, highest in the Philippines (38 vs. 20%) followed by Indonesia (20% vs. 7%), Malaysia (19% vs. 7%), Thailand (13% vs. 7%) and lowest in Lao PDR and Cambodia (2% vs. 1%). Socio-cultural factors such as parental and peer tobacco use and exposure to direct and indirect pro-tobacco advertising are important predictors of smoking in all countries. For example, Malaysian female students are four times more likely to smoke if their mothers smoke. Having close friends who smoke is another significant predictor (range between four to over ten times more likely to smoke). Indonesian and Philippines female students exposed to tobacco advertising and promotion are twice as likely to smoke compared to females without such exposure. The study also found that females with pro-smoking attitudes, positive image of smoking and a perception that smoking is the norm among people their age are more likely to smoke. Tobacco control policies in these countries are found to influence female smoking rates. Conclusion: To protect girls and women as well as boys and men, all ASEAN countries should implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, prioritizing raising of taxes on all tobacco products, introduction of comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion and prohibition of smoking in public places. BACKGROUND: For over twenty years, the tobacco industry has made marketing and distribution of tobacco products to youths a core of its marketing strategy in Nigeria. From the internal documents of the tobacco industry which was forced into public domain in the United States of America, it was revealed that the tobacco industry had deliberately marketed to young and underage persons in Nigeria. It was also revealed that British American Tobacco (BAT) had conducted several surveys to determine the rate of youth smoking in Nigeria. In one of such survey minors were referred to as YAUS (Young and Underage Smokers). METHODS: Experience Freshness was a recent promotion of the British America Tobacco in August 2008. This event was organized to promote the Pall Mall brand. It was organized in all the six geo political zones in the country and was heavy on young people. Invitation cards were secretly given out in secondary schools and colleges. It was a heavy all night smoking party.