Gangs of rampaging monkeys are terrorizing a Thai resort town, forcing police to arm themselves with slingshots and tranquilizer guns to combat the “dangerous” primates.
Officers said they were attacked by aggressive macaques in the town of Lopburi, about 90 miles north of the capital, Bangkok, which has become famous for its out-of-control monkey population.
The local police station has prepared wooden catapults with which officers can shoot at the unruly primates, who often climb onto cars and steal food from shops and tourists, as well as destroy property.
The images show two police officers riding through Lopburi on a motorcycle, and the one behind takes out his slingshot and throws small stones at the “dangerous” primates.
The move comes as Police Major General Apirak Wechkanchana, commander of the Lopburi provincial police, ordered the establishment of a special unit to combat aggressive wild monkeys.
Gangs of rampaging monkeys are terrorizing a Thai resort town, forcing police to arm themselves with slingshots and tranquilizer guns to combat the “dangerous” primates.
The local police station has distributed wooden catapults with which officers can shoot at the unruly primates, who often climb onto cars and steal food from shops and tourists.
Footage shows two police officers riding around Lopburi on a motorcycle, with the one behind taking out his slingshot and throwing small stones at the “dangerous” primates.
Officers said they were attacked by aggressive macaques in the city of Lopburi, about 90 miles north of the capital, Bangkok, which has become famous for its out-of-control monkey population (pictured: macaque monkey eating watermelon in Lop Buri).
General Apirak said: ‘I am aware of the potential danger posed by monkeys. They have started to pose a threat to tourists and locals. The slingshots our officers now carry will help 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 hit the monkeys.”
The police chief said officers were equipped with slingshots they could use to scare away the monkeys.
He said they are only allowed to use rocks to shoot the creatures when there are no other ways to control them.
They have also been tasked with preventing the monkeys from stealing or destroying items.
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation staff have also begun capturing some of the worst offender monkeys and relocating them to temporary shelters.
However, they allegedly had difficulties as the primate “thugs” were familiar with tranquilizer guns and scaled tall buildings and houses whenever they approached.
Nathi Krutthaka, No. 1 Conservation Office Officer, said: “We had to hide our faces and hide the tranquilizer guns so the monkeys wouldn’t see them.”
The team managed to capture the troop leader, ‘Ai Krao’, who was famous among local vendors and drivers due to his aggressiveness. Officers put him to sleep with a sedative dart in his butt before dragging him into a cage.
Officials said seven monkeys had been captured, in addition to nine others captured the previous day.
Police have started carrying slingshots to defend themselves against rampaging monkeys in Thailand. Officers said they have been attacked by aggressive macaques in Lopburi.
Motorbikes and cars pass by macaques in Lopburi, Thailand, on February 25, 2024. Although the thousands of macaques that live in the city are a tourist attraction, many complain that they harass residents and damage homes and businesses, while while deterring potential visitors.
A macaque monkey drinks from a bottle outside the Phra Prang Sam Yod temple during the annual Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi province, north of Bangkok, on November 28, 2021.
Lopburi has become known in recent years for its out-of-control monkey population, leading some to consider it an apocalyptic hell, with monkeys even taking over empty buildings.
Despite the dangers, locals are keen to keep the monkeys in town as they prove to be a popular draw for tourists from around the world who give them sugary treats.
Lopburi has become known in recent years for its out-of-control monkey population, leading some to consider it an apocalyptic hell, with monkeys even taking over empty buildings.
They were seen taking part in a massive gang fight in the depths of the pandemic when there were food shortages. Attacks on cars, houses, market stalls and visitors have become increasingly frequent.
Despite the dangers, locals are keen to keep the monkeys in town as they prove to be a popular draw for tourists from around the world who give them sugary treats.
The Thai government is struggling to control the macaque problem, but has taken steps to control the monkey population across the country, including creating sanctuaries, mass sterilization programs, educating the public on how to properly handle the animals, and relocate them to more suitable habitats.