BANGKOK (AP) — Thai wildlife officials laid out a plan on Wednesday to bring peace to a central Thai city after at least a decade of human-monkey conflict.
The macaques that roam Lopburi are a symbol of local culture, and a major tourist draw. But after years of dangerous encounters with residents and visitors and several failed attempts to bring peace with population controls, local people and businesses have had enough.
The monkeys frequently try to snatch food from humans, sometimes resulting in tussles that can leave people with scratches and other injuries. But outrage grew in March when a woman dislocated her knee after a monkey pulled her off her feet in an effort to grab food, and another man was knocked off a motorcycle by a hungry monkey.
Authorities hope to round up some 2,500 urban monkeys and place them in massive enclosures, said Athapol Charoenshunsa, the director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. They’ll work with wildlife experts to find a way for a limited number of monkeys to stay at liberty in the city, he added.
Stock market today: Asian shares are mixed, taking hot US inflation data in stride
Russia aborts planned test launch of new space rocket
Reid Detmers, bullpen limit Boston to 3 hits, Angels beat Red Sox 7
Chinese enterprises keen to expand int'l market: Trade council
Rookie Adama Sanogo has 22 points and 20 rebounds to shatter career highs, Bulls top Wizards 129
Should you itemize or take a standard deduction on your tax return? Here's what to know
Astronomers spot previously unknown moons around Neptune, Uranus
Chinese scientists use machine learning for precise Antarctic sea ice prediction
CBS says its daytime show 'The Talk' will end its run in December after 15 seasons
8th Aswan int'l women film festival opens in Egypt
Cannes sets lineup with Lanthimos, Coppola and Trump film 'The Apprentice'