A life in chains: Monkeys as coconut pickers in Thailand


By AGENCY

Owner Lek fetches his monkey Nong from the coconut tree after he has finished picking coconuts. Photos: dpa

Nong has been walking in circles for an hour. Attached to his tight metal collar is a short 3m chain chained to a bamboo pole.

The strong macaque monkey takes the chain in his hand, his facial expression revealing just how much he hates it.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Living

Sunny Side Up: Don’t shut down children’s excitement
A father's plea: Help me find a job for my autistic son, and thousands like him
Bird flu and pets: What you need to know
Malaysian master sake sommelier creates new glass for better sake appreciation
Hungary's 'water guardian' farmers fight back against desertification
SinggahKL 2026 offers public chance to learn and appreciate Kuala Lumpur's architecture
Apricot by Peaches and Cream celebrates decadent European-centric comfort food
Are home remedies like honey, garlic and hot chicken soup able to fix colds?
Saving for life’s surprises: How to build an emergency financial fund
Contradictheory: Not all of us are Ferrari drivers

Others Also Read