Don’t monkey with me, says hostage taker

CHANTHABURI: In Planet of the Apes, the monkeys threatened to take over the world. They did not succeed, but no-one has ever bothered to point that out to one particular individual named Oran. She recently took over a patch of Chantaburi province and was not prepared to surrender it to anyone. People and dogs learned to steer clear of Oran’s territory, even before she broke her chain. Then one day, the chain gave way and she took her first human hostage. K. Tee, who had been trying to recapture Oran, found himself being bitten on his arms or legs every time he tried to escape her unwanted attention. His aim was to attach a new restraint, but Oran must have seen through his plan and decided to fight back. A local monk, Phra Mahaprawat Piyathammoh, said, “Oran was very angry and stressed because she had always been teased by kids and people who passed by. Sometimes they threw rocks or used sticks to hit her.” A rescue team moved close and tried to comfort her by talking. Unfortunately, barking dogs interrupted, so she kept K. Tee even closer. Eventually, after two hours, it was K. Tee’s turn to break free. The 10-member rescue team used a monk’s robe to throw over Oran. The following day she was attached to big new chain and the locals were taking a more generous approach to her. “I hope she remembers me and doesn’t bite again,” K. Tee laughed.