In the picturesque province of Lopburi, Thailand, locals are facing an unusual problem - attacks by aggressive macaques. The monkeys in the region have become increasingly aggressive towards humans, snatching things from passers-by and posing a real threat to safety. According to a recent study, there were 5,709 individuals living in the wild in the province in 2023.
Local authorities have taken unprecedented measures to tackle the problem. Major General Apirak Wetkanchana, head of the Lopburi Provincial Police, has ordered the creation of a special police unit armed with slingshots to combat aggressive macaques. The initiative was approved after the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had to pay compensation to people affected by monkey attacks, including at least three serious cases in one month.
Special unit methods and strategies
Members of the Special Anti-Macaque Unit have been authorized to use slingshots as weapons against aggressive monkeys. Previously, police officers used sedatives, but this method was found to be ineffective because the monkeys would escape before the medication took effect. The use of slingshots allows officers to react quickly to the threat and disarm aggressive macaques.
In parallel with the police action, the Wildlife Authority has introduced its own strategy - cage capture of monkeys. In the first two days of the operation, 16 macaques were caught and taken to the Wildlife Clinic in Saraburi for health checks. After a two-month detention in a suitable place, they are scheduled to be returned to Lopburi.
Despite the measures taken, the problem of aggressive macaques in Lopburi is still far from a permanent solution. The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is still exploring options such as keeping the monkeys in zoos. However, these plans are still under discussion and the current focus is on capturing animals using cages.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that macaques are protected under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, which limits the authorities' ability to deal with these animals. Nevertheless, locals and tourists are eagerly awaiting an effective solution to the problem to keep themselves safe from attacks by aggressive monkeys.
Overall, the creation of a special police unit with slingshots was an unusual but necessary step to protect Lopburi residents from aggressive macaques. Provincial authorities continue to look for long-term solutions to keep people safe and the monkey population in its natural habitat.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
