Popular town in Thailand overrun by gangs of monkeys terrorising tourists

31 March 2024 , 14:11

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Macaques take a stick from a visitor at Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi, Thailand (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

A popular town in Thailand has been overrun by gangs of monkeys terrorising tourists, locals claim.

The primates have caused police to carry slingshots and tranquilliser guns see off the 'dangerous' animals. They have faced attacks from aggressive macaques in the town of Lopburi, north of the capital Bangkok. The town is known for its monkey population which is said to be 'out of control'.

The monkeys are said to be jumping on cars and stealing food from local businesses and visitors as well as vandalising property. Images have emerged of two police officers riding around the town on a motorbike firing small stones at the "dangerous' primates.

Monkeys family playing eat drink, rest and relax in a garden park near Phra Kal Shrine in Thailand (Getty Images)

Police Major General Apirak Wechkanchana, commander of Lopburi Provincial Police was instructed to create a special unit to combat the wild monkeys which can be aggressive.

General Apirak said: "I am aware of the potential danger from monkeys. They have started to pose a threat to tourists and locals. The slingshots now being carried by our officers will help to threaten the monkeys when necessary. In most cases they only need to use the slingshots as a deterrent, they don't have to use objects to strike the monkeys."

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A man looking at longtail macaques in the town of Lopburi, Thailand (AFP via Getty Images)

Police are only permitted to use slingshots when when there are no other ways to control them. Police have also been asked to stop the monkeys stealing or vandalising.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation staff have also started catching the worst monkey offenders and placing them in temporary shelters. But they had difficulties as the primate 'thugs' have become familiar with tranquiliser guns and scaled buildings whenever they came near.

Nathi Krutthaka, conservation bureau officer no. 1, said: "We had to hide our faces and conceal the tranquiliser guns so the monkeys wouldn't see them."

Macaques walk in Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi, Thailand (Anadolu via Getty Images)

The team captured the troop's leader, 'Ai Krao', who is known among the local sellers and drivers. Cops are said to have it to sleep with a sedative to capture it before it was put in a cage. Seven monkeys have been captured and a day earlier nine others were caught.

Lopburi has become known for its out-of-control monkey population, calling some people to liken it to an apocalyptic hellscape where monkeys commandeer empty buildings.

Graeme Murray