Thai Coconut Industry Takes Steps to Ban Monkey Labour

Producers partner with WFFT to ensure ethical sourcing and restore global trust in Thai coconut exports.

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The Thai Coconut Industry Group has taken a decisive step to restore international confidence and protect local livelihoods by partnering with the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) to address longstanding concerns about the historical use of monkey labour in coconut harvesting. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Thailand's agricultural sector, underlining a strong commitment to ethical practices and animal welfare.

Thailand, one of the world’s leading coconut exporters, generates over 25 billion baht annually from coconut products and supports more than 300,000 farming households. However, the industry has come under increasing global scrutiny due to reports of monkeys being trained to climb trees and harvest coconuts—practices condemned by animal rights groups and ethical consumers. The backlash has prompted threats and actual boycotts from major retailers in Europe and North America, costing the country an estimated 2 billion baht annually.

INDUSTRY-WIDE REFORM TO REBUILD TRUST