Reports on Monday said around 60 monkeys have been recaptured so far, including 40 that returned to a nearby temple offering fresh fruits and vegetables. City authorities are repairing the damaged shelter and setting food traps while awaiting assistance from the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, which estimates the recapture effort could take 2-3 days.
Lopburi, known as Thailand's "monkey city," previously hosted thousands of monkeys living alongside humans as a tourist attraction. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced tourist numbers led to food shortages, resulting in increased conflicts between monkeys and residents.
Local resident Jirat Buaprommat, 54, said the monkeys are prepared to take anything they can find. He added that the situation has become so severe that they have to lock themselves in their homes for safety, feeling as though they have no freedom even in their own living spaces.
The latest incident occurred as authorities have been working to control the monkey population through mass captures and sterilization programs, following numerous instances of primates stealing food and personal items, and even engaging in street fights between rival groups.
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