Chained ‘Monkeys’ Protest Thailand’s Animal Labour
Update (17 December 2022):
Further PETA disruptions took place in Dublin following our protest outside the Thai embassy in London. Activists dressed as chained monkeys gathered outside Fallon & Byrne in a push for shoppers to avoid the retailer’s coconut milk from Thailand.
It’s the second time PETA supporters have taken action following the most recent investigation revealing monkeys are still being exploited in the Thai coconut industry.
Original post (23 November 2022):
Three chained PETA “monkeys” were spotted outside the Thai Embassy in London, calling on the ambassador to use his influence to end the use of monkey labour in Thailand’s coconut industry.
The protest follows PETA Asia’s third investigation into the Thai coconut industry. The new footage has revealed that threatened and endangered monkeys continue to be tied up, beaten, whipped, and forced to pick coconuts under the threat of physical violence – despite government officials’ claims that forced monkey labour had ended.
PETA also delivered a letter to the ambassador, urging for an end to this cruel trade.
The Thai Coconut Milk Industry Exposed
The Thai coconut trade uses social monkeys as coconut-picking machines, depriving them of any semblance of a natural life or chance of freedom.
Workers confirmed to PETA Asia’s investigators that monkeys are abducted as babies from their families and forest homes. Their teeth may be pulled out if they try to defend or free themselves.
PETA Asia’s investigators found that when the monkeys aren’t being forced to pick coconuts or perform in cruel, circus-style shows for tourists, they’re kept in cages or chained by the neck to old tyres and boxes.
Opt for Monkey-Safe Coconut Milk
PETA Asia’s investigation linked monkey labour to HelloFresh, Chaokoh, Ampol Food, Theppadungporn Coconut Co, Aroy-D, Cocoburi, Tropicana Oil, Thai Pure Coconut Co, Ampawa, Suree Food, Edward & Sons Trading Co, and many other brands.
Until we’re certain that the industry has changed, we’re calling on everyone to boycott coconut milk and other coconut products from Thailand.
What You Can Do for Monkeys
Mounting pressure from the Thai embassy and companies sourcing coconut milk can help encourage the industry in Thailand to use monkey-free harvest methods, such as planting shorter trees so the coconuts are easier for humans to reach or using cherry pickers to reach higher trees.
HelloFresh continues to use Thai coconut milk despite being aware of the monkey exploitation involved. Please urge it to switch to monkey-safe suppliers:
