Thailand plans to relocate macaque monkeys from Phra Nakhon Khiri historical park

Phetchaburi authorities are currently working on a plan to relocate the large and mischievous macaque population at the Phra Nakhon Khiri historical park, better known as Khao Wang, to a place where they can live a more natural life and cause no disturbance to the peace, provincial governor Natthachai Nampoonsuksan announced on May 1.

The number of monkeys in the district has now reached roughly 3,000, with a further 1,000-1,500 in each of the other neighbouring districts. Their growing population has caused them to spread out and look for food, instigating issues for residents, businesses and tourists.

In an attempt to curtail their growing population, the Protected Area Regional Office 3 of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department put forth a sterilisation programme. However, this endeavour has yet to make a substantial impact in reducing their numbers. Consequently, it was deemed necessary to formulate a relocation plan for the monkeys at Khao Wang, although Governor Nampoonsuksan did not reveal the specific details of the proposed new habitat.

Residents have expressed that a likely location for the troublesome creatures could be an island situated in the middle of the Kaeng Krachan Dam reservoir.

Uraiwan Phopuang, a resident from a nearby community of Khao Wang Park, revealed that the macaques would trespass and wreak havoc in their homes and shops in search of food. Furthermore, these animals reportedly carry diseases, particularly scabies, that can lead to respiratory problems. Tourists have also found themselves the recipients of the monkeys’ unrelenting and bothersome behaviour.

Preeda Boonprasert, the proprietor of a sweets shop situated close to Khao Wang, has emphasised the disruption the macaques cause, their habits of urinating everywhere, leaving behind a strong odour, and running across roads, resulting in traffic accidents.

He, and other relieved residents, would welcome the relocation of the macaque population to a more suitable habitat where they would no longer pose a nuisance. Indeed, countless individuals eagerly await updates on the fruition of the plan Governor Nampoonsuksan has set into motion.

About a month ago, Thai police rescued 47 macaques that were being smuggled out of the country for probable use in traditional Chinese medicine.