Thai City Gripped By Army Of Thousands Of Monkeys, Businesses Shut Down As Tourists Flee

Reports from Thailand indicate that a terrifying army of approximately 3,500 monkeys has taken control of the city center of Lopburi, causing tourists to flee and prompting businesses to shutter their doors.

The presence of these monkeys has escalated to such an extent that Lopburi, once a bustling trade hub in the province, now faces the looming threat of becoming a ghost town.

Reuters

Chinese investors have backed out

Chinese investors, hesitant to commit their funds amid the chaos caused by the simian invasion, have refrained from injecting capital into the area until the issue is resolved, as reported by the South China Post. With the monkeys asserting dominance over the area, numerous companies and shops have been compelled to cease operations entirely.

No tourists, no business in Thai city

Surachat Chanprasit, deputy of the Pingya Shopping Center, disclosed to Thai outlet Khaosod that these monkeys frequently attack the mall, creating disturbances for customers and disrupting shopping experiences.

Furthermore, small business proprietors renting space within the shopping center are bearing the brunt of the damage caused by the monkeys. They find themselves regularly repairing roofs, windows, and other structural components to mitigate the ongoing onslaught.

Despite efforts to sell the mall two years ago, no buyers have emerged, exacerbating the economic strain on the local business community.

According to a report by Khaosod, the Lopburi Chamber of Commerce has highlighted that regulations stipulating the height of buildings and the preservation of heritage structures have exacerbated the challenges posed by the influx of monkeys.

Shutterstock

Monkey menace on the rise

Pongsatorn Chaichanapanich, the head of the chamber, noted that businesses have vacated the region opposite the renowned Phra Prang Sam Yot temple due to the monkey infestation. He emphasised the necessity for policy adjustments, including amendments to laws governing the management of monkeys in urban settings, to rejuvenate the city's economy and enhance tourism figures.

¡°The government needs to decide at the policy level how it will develop Lopburi as a historical city with many historical sites and how the government will help promote tourism in the province and attract more tourists,¡± he said.

Lopburi province and its army of monkeys have long been a draw for tourists from around the world, who typically feed them and pose with them for selfies. The region also holds an annual monkey festival to thank the animals for helping to attract visitors to Lopburi.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.