The town of Huafu Li (Lopburi) is the capital of Lopburi Province in Thailand, located 150 kilometers northeast of the capital city Bangkok. It is famous for the abundance of wild monkeys that can be seen everywhere. These numerous monkeys often snatch food and cause damage, affecting people’s businesses. In response, the town has initiated a countermeasure plan in hopes of capturing most of the monkeys and relocating them.
Recently, a series of human-monkey conflict incidents in Huafu Li have led authorities to believe that they need to reduce the number of monkeys in the town. They have devised a plan to capture the majority of the monkeys and allow them to start a new life elsewhere.
According to reports from the Associated Press, authorities began implementing the first phase of the plan on May 24, which involves trapping the monkeys. They use baited cages with food to lure the monkeys in, trapping them once they enter.
These cages were placed on a street several days ago, so the monkeys have become accustomed to their presence, letting down their guard. Three monkeys were caught this way, marking the first three captures.
It is believed that there are approximately 2,500 monkeys roaming around in Huafu Li. The three caught on the street and around 30 others captured elsewhere represent only a small fraction of the total population.
Authorities plan to continue using this method to capture monkeys for five days this month, but its effectiveness may wane over time.
Patarapol Maneeorn from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Thailand said, “In terms of monkey intelligence, if some enter the cages and get caught, others outside will not enter to take the food because they already understand what happened to their friends.”
Although the wandering monkeys are a tourist attraction and symbol of Huafu Li, they have become increasingly aggressive in recent years, not only stealing people’s food but also causing harm to individuals.
Local resident Supaporn Tantiwong, who runs a shop, said, “When there are many monkeys nearby, customers are afraid to come to the store to make purchases, only regular customers are not afraid.”
Huafu Li Mayor Chamroen Salacheep stated that while the monkeys attract tourists, they are also detrimental to business transactions, leading to reduced income for merchants and even causing damage to residences. As a result, the town has almost become deserted.
Salacheep mentioned that after the monkey capture operation concludes, they will conduct a major cleanup of the town, painting all buildings to regain people’s confidence.
According to the town’s plan, captured monkeys will be temporarily housed in large enclosures within the town until permanent homes are found for them.