The Thai city of Lopburi has found itself grappling with a surprising and persistent crowd of long-tailed macaques that now dominates parts of the area, influencing daily life, the local economy, and the rhythms of residents. This situation was highlighted in reports from Le Courrier International, which drew attention to the unusual urban dynamic unfolding in the historic town.
In recent weeks, an estimated 3,500 long-tailed macaques have moved from nearby habitats into the center of Lopburi. The primates have settled near key landmarks and the famous temple precincts that once drew travelers seeking cultural and historical experiences. Today, however, the spectacle has shifted toward the challenges of coexistence, as the monkeys’ presence disrupts commerce, deters visitors, and tests the resilience of the city’s infrastructure. The shift from a tourist magnet to a site of logistical strain has real consequences for livelihoods and the local economy, prompting a broader conversation about humane management and urban planning. (Le Courrier International)
The result is a chain reaction across the community. Retailers report dipping foot traffic and rising maintenance costs as the macaques probe roofs, windows, and storefronts in search of food and new shelter. In some instances, storefronts have faced repeated break-ins and damage, leading to a cautious atmosphere among shopkeepers and a slowdown in investment. The presence of macaques in public spaces and commercial districts has also raised concerns among residents about safety and property security. Local shoppers often adjust their routines to avoid peak macaque activity periods, and street vendors monitor activity closely to protect goods and inventory. (Le Courrier International)
Phongsathorn Chaichanaphanit, president of the Lopburi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describes the financial strain in stark terms. He notes that landlords and sellers are repeatedly repairing rooftops and storefronts, sometimes on a monthly cadence, to counter damage caused by the curious primates. This ongoing upkeep diverts funds from customer-facing improvements and marketing, contributing to a gradual decline in foot traffic and the closure of several retail outlets. The ripple effect touches banks, suppliers, and service providers who depend on steady commerce in the city center. Community leaders emphasize that restoring business confidence will require a coordinated strategy that blends humane wildlife management with practical economic support for affected enterprises. (Le Courrier International)
In response to the situation, local authorities are collaborating with National Parks Department staff and wildlife officials to explore solutions. The effort focuses on humane deterrence, habitat management, and the creation of safer spaces for residents and visitors alike. Proposals under consideration include improved waste management to reduce attractants, targeted vaccination and health monitoring to protect both people and animals, physical barriers to separate macaques from busy commercial corridors, and controlled feeding programs designed to discourage aggressive scavenging. Community outreach is a central piece of the plan, with educators, park staff, and business leaders working together to inform the public about safe interactions with wildlife and to promote responsible tourism that can support Lopburi in the long term. (Le Courrier International)
There have been lighter, almost humanizing moments amid the tension. A widely shared anecdote tells of a macaque that briefly took an elderly man’s iPhone before promptly returning it after purchasing a soda at a nearby shop—an instance that underscores both the bold cleverness of the animals and the unpredictable nature of urban wildlife encounters. Such stories travel quickly through social networks, shaping perceptions of Lopburi as a place where tradition, modern life, and wildlife collide in daily life. They also remind planners that the path forward must balance safety, economic vitality, and wildlife welfare in a way that respects the city’s heritage and the well-being of its residents. (Le Courrier International)