WATCH: PETA protests Thailand’s forced monkey labor in coco industry
MANILA, Philippines — Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Wednesday called for an end to monkey labor in Thailand’s coconut industry.
The animal rights advocates denounced such animal cruelty during a demonstration outside the Royal Thai Embassy in Makati City.
In a video by Radyo INQUIRER, protesters could be seen clad in striped clothes with chains around them, carrying posters that read: “Thailand: Stop Coconut Industry Monkey Abuse.”
“Nandito tayo ngayon sa labas ng Thai embassy para ipaalam sa kanila na alam na natin ‘yung ginagawa nila sa Thailand sa mga unggoy na pinepwersa nilang magtrabaho, umakyat sa puno ng niyog para pitasin ‘yung mga niyog para sa coconut industry nila,” Jana Sevilla, PETA Asia campaigner, said during the interview.
The protest followed PETA’s investigation exposing Thailand’s coconut industry forcing monkeys fitted with tight metal collars to harvest coconuts in plantations.
PETA’s investigation revealed that the nonhuman primate mammals are being chained, isolated from their peers, transported in small cages, and coerced to climb trees and collect coconuts day in and day out.
