Thai town overrun by thousands of marauding monkeys causes unrest among residents | Global News

The town of Lopburi in central Thailand is facing a unique challenge – an overpopulation of monkeys that has led to increased aggression and conflict with residents. With approximately 2,500 monkeys roaming the streets, locals have taken matters into their own hands by using ripe tropical fruit as bait to lure the monkeys into cages.

The monkeys, once a symbol of Lopburi, have now become a nuisance, causing damage to homes and businesses, and scaring away potential customers and residents. Recent incidents of monkey-human conflict, including aggressive behavior and food theft, have prompted authorities to take action to reduce their numbers.

The town’s mayor, Chamroen Salacheep, described Lopburi as almost an “abandoned town” due to the negative impact of the monkeys on trade and daily life. The first stage of the plan to control the monkey population involves baiting cages with their favorite food and waiting for them to be captured.

Despite early success in trapping some monkeys, the operation is expected to face challenges as the intelligent animals may learn to avoid the traps. The captured monkeys will undergo health checks, sterilization, and be transferred to holding pens outside the town center while authorities search for a permanent solution.

While some monkeys will be released to maintain Lopburi’s identity as Thailand’s monkey town, the overall goal is to restore harmony between the residents and the monkey population. The use of fruit as bait may be a temporary solution, but the town is determined to find a long-term resolution to the ongoing monkey problem.