BangkokPost-June 16
The Commerce Ministry and food exporters brushed aside reports that Walmart, the giant US retailer, is dropping a Thai coconut milk brand on allegations of forced monkey labor, insisting such practices are a relic of the past. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department, said on Wednesday he already asked for information from Thai Trade Centers in the US, which have frequent contacts with large importers and distributors there.
Mr Phusit said the centers found Walmart still imports and sells products from Thailand and maintains a trade relationship as usual. “It is normal practice for retail stores to place or remove some products from their shelves during certain periods to comply with consumer demand, which will vary upon the season,” he said.
“People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA] is likely to claim a victory for the period when the retailer removed Thai coconut milk from its shelves to create a trade issue.” Mr Phusit referred to recent reports that Walmart dropped Thai coconut milk from its shelves after PETA allegations about forced monkey labour.
He said the department in partnership with processed food producers have continued to issue letters to defend against the allegations, while the Thai Food Processors Association released a statement and information about Thailand’s coconut plantation and harvesting, reaffirming monkey labor is not used for export-orientated industries. According to the Commerce Ministry, coconut milk exports fetched Thailand 4.4 billion baht in 2021, up 10% from a year before, with key export markets including the US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Read more at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2327163/shippers-deny-coconut-milk-rumour
