A new initiative called GAP Monkey Free Plus is expected to be introduced to Thai coconut farms to quell fears among global trading partners by reassuring them that no primates are used to harvest fruit.
Officials grew concerned after the department received complaints by the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, about monkeys facing cruelty at some of these farms in Thailand, said department chief Rapeepat Chantarasriwong.
He said this has compromised the country's reputation and negatively impacted the coconut industry, especially sales in some foreign markets.
Source: bangkokpost.com
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