From Bangkok to Rio de Janeiro, Animal Rights Activists are holding peaceful protests this week, demanding that international hospitality giant Marriott fulfill their own commitment to using only cage-free eggs. The hotel group currently risks falling behind on its 2018 commitment to be cage-free by the end of 2025. While the company has made significant progress globally, there is an urgent need to accelerate efforts in Asia.
The peaceful street action in front of Marriott Hotel Surawong and Marriott Marquis Queens Park in Bangkok is part of a coordinated international movement, organized by International animal protection organization, Sinergia Animal in Thailand with similar events taking place in Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia to encourage the hospitality giant to build on its global progress in animal welfare and strengthen its cage-free egg policy in Asia.
Marriott committed publicly to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs by 2025 in 2018. With only three months left until the deadline, the company has reached just 42.65% cage-free progress in Southeast Asia — less than halfway to its goal in the region. While significant strides have been made globally, more action is needed to ensure Marriott fulfills its own commitment. By accelerating progress in Asia, Marriott can not only meet its target but also reinforce its position as an industry leader and set an inspiring example for other hospitality brands.
While this progress is commendable, with the 2025 deadline fast approaching, there is still important work to be done. Sinergia Animal and animal advocates in Thailand are encouraging Marriott to build on its achievements and ensure that no hens remain confined in battery cages — one of the cruellest farming practices.
Today’s action in Bangkok featured the hidden realities of industrial farming, advocates holding signs, distributing leaflets, and engaging with the public, symbolizing growing public support for stronger animal welfare standards across the hospitality industry.
“We welcome Marriott’s progress toward cage-free commitments, but with the 2025 deadline only months away, the urgency is greater than ever. Marriott has already demonstrated leadership in other regions, and we believe it can take the same positive step in Asia to ensure no hens remain trapped in cruel cages,” said Saneekan Rosamontri, Managing Director of Sinergia Animal Thailand. “Marriott has the power to change that story, and it has already shown leadership in other regions. We believe it can take the same positive step here in Asia.”
Campaign Lead, Wanutchaporn Duangnil added: “By moving toward cage-free sourcing, Marriott won’t just meet consumer demand, it will help shape a food system that is kinder, healthier, and more sustainable for the future.”
The cage-free movement is gaining momentum worldwide. Many leading food and hospitality companies in Thailand have announced cage-free egg policies and have already committed to removing cages from their supply chains, responding to consumer demand and growing awareness of animal welfare, including Onyx Hospitality Group, Zen Group, Sukishi, Minor Food, Minor Hotels. Thailand is not navigating this transition in isolation. Across Asia, more than 300 companies have already made cage-free commitments.
To strengthen transparency and accountability, Sinergia Animal also maintains a Cage-Free Tracker, dedicated to monitoring companies that have made commitments and ensuring they publicly report progress toward eliminating eggs from caged hens within their supply chains by the promised deadlines.
Battery cages confine hens to spaces smaller than an A4 sheet of paper, depriving them from expressing natural behaviors, namely stretching their wings fully, perching, and dust-bathing. Scientific evidence has repeatedly shown that these conditions lead to severe physical and psychological distress, including bone fractures, feather loss, and chronic stress.
“Marriott’s progress in the US and Latin America shows that change is possible. By extending this policy to Asia, Marriott can set a global benchmark for compassion and responsibility in the hospitality industry,” said Carolina Galvani, Founder and Executive Director of Sinergia Animal.
