Swedish tourist bitten by macaque at Thai landmark
A Swedish tourist, Joel Gilbert, experienced an unexpected encounter with wildlife when he was bitten on the neck by a macaque during a visit to Phra Prang Sam Yot, a renowned landmark in Lop Buri province. Rescue workers swiftly transported him to Phra Narai Maharat Hospital for necessary treatment and vaccination.
Banjerd Roisaensuk, the caretaker of Phra Prang Sam Yot, acknowledged that macaques in the area have displayed aggressive behaviour towards humans before. He mentioned that their aggression might be provoked by various factors, such as individuals standing too close to the monkeys or their young.
The attack on December 30 last year evening could have been avoided if there was a stronger police presence in the area, as the macaques have overrun the location for quite some time, Banjerd commented.
Efforts by the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to manage the macaque population had previously reduced their numbers. However, the monkeys have continued to return to the area, according to Banjerd.
The macaques are notorious for snatching belongings from unsuspecting visitors. Tourists are advised to avoid wearing glasses, headbands, and carrying brightly coloured bags, as these items attract the monkeys’ attention, reported Bangkok Post.
Police have also warned visitors wishing to take photos with the macaques, urging them to exercise extra caution.
In related news, the Thai authorities in Lopburi launched a new initiative to tackle the escalating issue of a burgeoning macaque population causing disturbances to tourists and locals alike in Mueang Lopburi’s old town.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in collaboration with Mueang Lopburi Municipality. They aim to capture, sterilise, and relocate between 800 to 1,000 long-tailed macaques to a designated zoo.
The operation started on June 5 and is scheduled to continue until June 15. As a prelude to this endeavour, a rehearsal yesterday evening yielded promising results, with 127 macaques successfully captured using specially designed cages placed strategically near the Manorah Market and the Chayowanit building.
