Swedish Tourist Bitten by Monkey at Historic Lopburi Temple

[Georgealbert]

 

File picture for reference only

 

A Swedish tourist suffered a injury after being bitten by a monkey while visiting the historic Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi, Thailand, on December 30th. The incident occurred at around 16:00 when a group of four Swedish tourists was exploring the popular landmark.

 

The victim, identified as Mr. Joel, sustained a 2-centimetre wound on the right side of his neck. Police from Tha Hin Station immediately called emergency medical services, and the tourist was taken to Pranararai Maharaj Hospital for treatment, including a rabies vaccination.

 

Speaking after the incident, Banjerd Roisaensuk, a site caretaker, explained that the attack occurred during a staff shift change. He suggested that the monkey might have been attempting to grab the tourist’s belongings or reacting protectively, particularly if baby monkeys were being handled by visitors.

 

“Such incidents have become rare since the monkey population was reduced,” Banjerd noted. “Monkeys are typically drawn to items like sunglasses, headbands, colourful bags, or food. We always advise both Thai and foreign tourists to be cautious, and sometimes we need to use sticks to manage particularly unruly monkeys.”

 

Visitors are reminded to follow staff guidelines and remain vigilant when interacting with the monkeys to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at this historic site.

 

-- 2024-12-31

 

 

 

[Briggsy]

Those Lopburi monkeys are aggressive towards humans. They rip hairbands out, grab bags and jump all over people to do it. Watch out.

[Yagoda]

I dont go there without a stick.

[connda]

I don't go there at all.  I really dislike monkeys.

[BangkokReady]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Speaking after the incident, Banjerd Roisaensuk, a site caretaker, explained that the attack occurred during a staff shift change.

 

I didn't realise the monkeys were so organised...  🤭

[BangkokReady]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

sometimes we need to use sticks to manage particularly unruly monkeys

 

Perhaps they should head down to Pattaya to help keep some of the unruly locals in check!  🤔

[Patong2021]

40 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

Those Lopburi monkeys are aggressive towards humans. They rip hairbands out, grab bags and jump all over people to do it. Watch out.

 

Perhaps, the humans should stop feeding them and trying to coax them into taking photos.

More warning signs in foreign languages might help.So many tourists are absolute idiots.

[hotchilli]

On 12/31/2024 at 8:22 AM, Georgealbert said:

“Such incidents have become rare since the monkey population was reduced,” Banjerd noted. “Monkeys are typically drawn to items like sunglasses, headbands, colourful bags, or food. We always advise both Thai and foreign tourists to be cautious, and sometimes we need to use sticks to manage particularly unruly monkeys.”

That's not managing anything.

[newbee2022]

On 12/31/2024 at 11:25 AM, Patong2021 said:

 

Perhaps, the humans should stop feeding them and trying to coax them into taking photos.

More warning signs in foreign languages might help.So many tourists are absolute idiots.

Well, probably warning signs in monkey language you mean? Inside the area? "Be aware of stupid tourists"??? 😀

[daveAustin]

They’re a menace and should be culled. Several urban areas here are rife with them, getting into schools etc. Worse than packs of feral soi dogs.

[thesetat]

On 12/31/2024 at 8:22 AM, Georgealbert said:

He suggested that the monkey might have been attempting to grab the tourist’s belongings or reacting protectively, particularly if baby monkeys were being handled by visitors.

 

What a stupid comment to make to try and justify the attack. Anyone who has been to Lopburi and tried to get within a foot of a baby makes them run away. Let alone handling them. Being protective, yeah possibly, but not handling them for sure. 

[J Branche]

I know the ones we feed one hour south in Saraburi are better behaved. I have been the only non-thai person feeding them in 6 visits.

 

We generally feed in one area and then move and don't stay.  Never try to touch, understand not to stare.  Use stick to move them back.

 

A couple have grabbed at the bag but most of the time it seems to be the bigger ones which my be leaders.  Usually try to give them extra food to prevent the snatching.

 

Monkey's may be displaying behavior as a product of the environment and because they have seen others do it.

[Patong2021]

2 hours ago, daveAustin said:

They’re a menace and should be culled. Several urban areas here are rife with them, getting into schools etc. Worse than packs of feral soi dogs.

 

Culling stupid tourists seems a bit drastic. Perhaps fining them would help. AT the  monkey wat here in Hua Hin, one can sometimes see foreign tourists throwing objects at the monkeys while others try to coax photos by offering garbage to the monkeys.

 

The monkeys are the way they are because of human stupidity. Monkey see . Monkey does.