Nearly 100 monkeys escaped from an enclosure at the Lopburi Municipal Animal Nursery in Pho Kao Ton subdistrict, Mueang district, Lopburi, on 30 June 2026, prompting a large-scale operation to recapture the animals before they could cause disruption to nearby communities. Officials said the monkeys broke out of a holding enclosure used by the municipality to care for animals under the supervision of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
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Staff managed to prevent a further 1,000 or more monkeys housed in the same facility from escaping after receiving reports of the breach. Authorities immediately launched efforts to recover the escaped animals and minimise any impact on residents living near the site.
Lopburi Mayor Chamroen Salacheep was informed of the escape and instructed municipal officers to work alongside officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Lopburi Governor Weeraphong Ritthirot, the deputy governor, district officials, the Damrongtham Centre and the provincial livestock office also attended the site to coordinate the response and plan the capture operation.
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod
Officials have already recaptured some of the escaped monkeys, while others remain in the area surrounding the enclosure. Teams have also repaired the damaged section of the cage to ensure it is secure and to prevent any further escapes.
Governor Weeraphong said the damaged enclosure had now been reinforced and that the monkeys would not be able to escape through the repaired section again. He added that, over the longer term, the enclosure would be upgraded with a stronger double-layer design to prevent dominant monkeys from breaking out.
The governor also said the province was preparing to establish a foundation to help fund food supplies and improve the welfare and quality of life of the monkeys kept at the facility.
Mayor Chamroen said officers were continuing efforts to recapture the remaining animals. He noted that some monkeys had returned to the enclosure voluntarily, while others were seen moving around the surrounding area.
Khaosod reported that the mayor suggested that some of the monkeys may have escaped because they were hungry, uncomfortable, affected by the hot weather or seeking freedom. He apologised to residents affected by the incident and said officials would assess any damage caused by the escaped animals, with those affected encouraged to report losses so appropriate assistance could be provided.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 1 July 2026