Thailand Assures Europe that Monkeys Picking Coconut are not Abused

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce on July 30 said Thai embassies in Europe had gone through great lengths to explain how Thai monkeys are trained to pick coconuts from trees, and that the practice had nothing to do with animal abuse, as claimed by animal rights activists, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).  

Thai trade centers and embassies had to explain the process after European stores had removed Thai coconut products from their shelves following the monkey abuse allegation.  “Thai Commercial attaches and officials have explained to representatives of department stores in Europe. Monkeys picking coconuts is part of long-standing community lifestyle,” said the Ministry’s Department of Industry and Trade Promotion director-general Somdet Susomboon.  

The animal rights group misunderstood the practice, Somdet said, adding that Thailand does not have that many monkeys to pick coconuts for the export market. “The coconuts picked by Thai monkeys will be consumed in the community only,” said Somdet.  He hoped the misunderstanding will be cleared and Thai coconut products will be back on store shelves again.