Superstar violinist urges government to stop using animals in cosmetic tests
Superstar violinist Vanessa-Mae has voiced her support for ending animal testing in Thailand. The Cruelty Free International Ambassador’s father comes from Thailand. So Vanessa-Mae is using her profile in the country to make sure the government keeps its promise of trying to phase out animal testing for cosmetics.
In April 2015, Cruelty Free International was told by the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand that it will look into the availability of local laboratories and decision-makers to use non-animal safety testing for cosmetics. Vanessa-Mae, who is currently in Thailand to visit family, has publically encouraged the Ministry of Public Health to keep its word.
Vanessa-Mae says: “I am proud of my Thai heritage and the family roots I have in this country, so I am very encouraged to hear from Cruelty Free International that the Thai government has in principle accepted a phase-out of animal testing for cosmetics. I know that many people in Thailand are eager and impatient to hear of progress towards implementing this. It is now time for Thailand to demonstrate to the world that it is a modern, forward-thinking nation and to join the increasing number of compassionate countries around the globe showing their commitment to ending the horrific and unnecessary practice of animal testing for cosmetics.”
Since the EU ban on animal cosmetics testing in 2013, we have led the campaign for bans across the world, including in Thailand and the ASEAN community. We’ve also funded a programme in Vietnam to train local scientists in alternatives to animal tests for cosmetics.