UK supermarkets may ban Thai coconut products over use of monkeys

14 Sept 08:24 Key points summarised by AI

British supermarkets are considering banning Thai coconut products following allegations of pigtailed macaques being used for harvesting.
Carrie Symonds, PM Boris Johnson's fiancée, spearheaded calls for a ban, leading several major UK retailers (e.g., Waitrose, Co-op, Morrisons, ASDA) to remove products or investigate suppliers.
The Thai Animals Protection Association refutes claims of cruelty, arguing that animal labor is traditional and urging a focus on animal treatment rather than a blanket ban.
PETA, however, reported finding farms where monkeys are forced to pick coconuts, captured as babies, and confined, highlighting their high productivity compared to humans.
Supermarkets like ASDA affirm their commitment to high production standards and zero tolerance for animal abuse, initiating investigations and product removals.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.