From the images it is possible to see that the monkeys do not advance in vehicles and ignore people on the streets. Despite this, cases of primate attacks on humans in Thailand are not rare and have caused the country’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to look for ways to reduce the presence of animals in urban centers.
The record was released after the Thai Police announced a new strategy to try to contain and capture the monkey invasion in Lop Buri. As reported by international news agencies, agents began using slingshots to apply tranquilizers to animals and remove them from urban life.
For years, wild monkeys were causing panic among residents and tourists in the city, which became known for its uncontrolled primate population. Among the “offences” committed by animals are thefts from cars and establishments. They were also seen during the Covid-19 pandemic in a major “gang fight” over food.
With the new police strategy adopted at the end of March, more than 10 employees from the Thai Wildlife Conservation Office were assigned to slingshot and trap duties. Around 20 primates were captured last week, according to the Bangkok Post newspaper.
A recent study carried out by the local government and published by the Thai newspaper showed that there are around 5,079 wild monkeys in Lop Buri. All of them are protected under the country’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
* With information from a report published on 03/28.
