A Thai plan to combat the monkeys that dominate the Lopburi resort Community

In the city of Lopburi, Thailand, thousands of monkeys roam the streets and rooftops, as symbols of local culture and a major tourist attraction – they even hold a popular festival in their honour. But for more than a decade, this coexistence has led to an increase in dangerous and conflictual encounters between animals, residents and visitors.

After failed attempts to overcome the problem, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Patcharavat Wongsuwan proposed opening a monitoring center to sterilize wild monkeys and move them to other areas.

The initiative, launched on April 2, will be monitored for effectiveness by authorities, who hope to capture about 2,500 urban monkeys and place them in large enclosures (similar to zoos) run by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Monkeys often try to steal food from humans, sometimes resulting in fights that can result in injuries. Anger over monkeys increased last month after a tourist dislocated her knee after a monkey tried to steal her food, and another man was thrown off a motorcycle by a monkey who also wanted his snack.

“I don't want humans to have to hurt monkeys and I don't want monkeys to hurt humans,” the Deputy Prime Minister told reporters during a press conference. France Press agency.

Regarding the proposed relocation of the monkeys to other provinces, the authorities will work with wildlife experts to find a way for a limited number of monkeys to remain free in the city.