Thai berry picker reveals malnourishment claims amid human trafficking trial in Finland

A Thai berry picker has described the harsh conditions at a berry-picking camp in Finland, revealing personal experiences of malnutrition and significant weight loss during the harvesting season. Speaking in a court session on Tuesday, the worker recounted missing his home during mealtimes and noted that he and others received little nourishment, typically only two fish heads, chicken legs, or eggs per meal, leading to a weight loss of ten kilograms.

The court hearings are part of ongoing human trafficking charges against the berry company Kiantama and its executives, Vernu Vasunta and Kalyakorn “Durian” Phongpitia, who are facing 62 counts of severe human trafficking. Both defendants deny the allegations. Prosecutors claim they coerced Thai workers into forced labor under inhumane conditions upon their arrival in Finland.

Hearing testimonies from the berry pickers began in Rovaniemi with discussions surrounding contracts that the workers signed in Thailand, which they claimed they were unable to read properly due to the volume of documents presented under pressure to sign. One picker stated he had hoped to earn 100,000 baht (about €2,700) but ended up receiving only €115 for approximately 3,500 kilos of berries harvested.

The legal proceedings, which started in early September, are expected to continue until late March, with hearings set to include testimonies from over 60 berry pickers. However, cost constraints have limited the number of individuals being called to testify. The case highlights serious issues within the berry-picking industry in Finland, raising questions about labor rights and human trafficking practices.