In the central Thai city of Lopburi, a long-standing conflict between humans and macaques has reached a boiling point. The monkeys, which have become a symbol of local culture and a major tourist attraction, have been increasingly aggressive in their interactions with residents and visitors, frequently attempting to snatch food and causing injuries in the process.
The macaques of Lopburi have long been revered as a symbol of the city’s unique identity. Tourists flock to the ancient Three Pagodas temple to witness the annual “Monkey Buffet” festival, and the monkeys are a common sight throughout the city. As a protected species under Thailand’s wildlife conservation law, the macaques have enjoyed a privileged status in Lopburi.
However, the human-monkey conflict has escalated in recent years, with numerous instances of monkeys snatching food from unsuspecting individuals. These encounters have led to scratches, bites, and other injuries, causing growing concern among residents and visitors alike. The situation reached a tipping point in March when a woman dislocated her knee after being pulled off her feet by a monkey, and a man was knocked off his motorcycle by another hungry primate.
Efforts to control the monkey population have been ongoing since 2014, with wildlife authorities neutering approximately 2,600 Lopburi macaques over the past decade. However, these measures have proven insufficient in curbing the problem. Attempts to limit feeding areas have also had unintended consequences, with dominant troops monopolizing the designated spots and leaving rival bands hungry and more likely to harass humans for food.
