Measures against macaque attacks on tourists were called for by the vice-governor of Phuket at a meeting with government officials, including representatives of forestry and the office of the Phuket Provincial Ombudsman, who received numerous complaints from vacationers.
“Monkey arbitrariness”, according to the Thai publication Thaiger, is assigned to study and eliminate the Center for the Study of Nature and Wildlife Khao Phra Teo. According to the publication, the macaques that have multiplied are wreaking havoc in places popular with tourists on the island. The “last straw” was a monkey attack on a three-month-old baby in a local Thai family. Most likely, the transportation of animals to areas where they will have less contact with tourists and residents will be discussed.
Interestingly, the “human” problem was also discussed at the same meeting – namely, the intrusion of traders into the protected territory of Khao Sae Tao. All sellers will be informed that the sale of products in protected forest areas is prohibited and they will be evicted from February 1.
The situation is related to the issue of “monkey arbitrariness” in that Cao Saye Tao means “monkey hill”. And it is the wild forest that has been preserved, where various animals live, including monkeys, which were considered the main attraction of the place during the two kilometers of ecotropa laid through it. It is not clear whether local animals will be expelled along with the traders.