In an attempt to increase the productivity of its workers, Bangkok municipal office has launched a new nap program just past noon where civil servants are invited to take an afternoon nap.

The Pathumwan district office in central Bangkok has reportedly set up a lunchtime "nap room" that has an ambience of soft music, sweet-smelling flowers and blinds drawn. Also there are strict rules that bar mobile phones and talking.

Surakiet Limcharoen, the district's top official who started the program told AP, "I've been taking naps at lunchtime for a long time, and decided to introduce the project to my staff in November."

The Bangkok Post's Monday edition showed the picture of a wood-paneled nap room with civil servants seated around a conference table. Everybody in the room has their heads down on desks with the blinds drawn.