Photo via Facebook/ อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัตน์ธารา-หมู่เกาะพีพี

 

National park rangers in Krabi are on the hunt for a foreign tourist after a video went viral showing him feeding monkeys at Monkey Bay, a practice strictly prohibited to preserve the animals' natural behaviour. The incident was captured by Pokpong “Patrick” Suwannasith, a Thai freelance tour guide, who shared the footage on Facebook on May 4.

 

In the video, the tourist is seen offering crisps to monkeys while fellow tourists, seemingly unfazed, cheer and film the spectacle. Despite Patrick's attempts to intervene by shouting warnings, the group ignored him. Distressed by the situation, Patrick expressed his intent to report the matter to authorities.

 

Efforts to identify the travel agency and boat operator responsible for the tourists have so far been thwarted by a lack of cooperation from local boat drivers. Patrick also reported witnessing additional infractions by tourists, such as Indian visitors smoking and littering, although he was unable to capture these on video.

 

The incident was reported to park rangers via the official Facebook page of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, which oversees the area. Rangers have committed to identifying the tourists and holding both them and the responsible travel agency accountable.

 

Feeding monkeys in national parks disrupts their ability to forage naturally, prompting reliance on human handouts and leading them into residential areas. This behaviour not only endangers the monkeys but poses health risks to people through possible disease transmission.

 

Park officials have shared images of the involved tourists and confirmed that legal action is forthcoming. They have reiterated the presence of clear signage at Monkey Bay warning against feeding monkeys, with violations subject to a fine of up to 1,000 baht.

 

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges national parks face in protecting wildlife from harmful tourist behaviours, stressing the importance of education and enforcement in preserving natural habitats.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-05

 

 

Sounds like Australians  

Meanwhile, at thousand of temples all over Thailand....

I'm outraged...   I'm on the net...   There.... now it can be reported that there is 'netizen outrage' !!!  

 

Gotta be that visa free travel again

16 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I'm outraged...   I'm on the net...   There.... now it can be reported that there is 'netizen outrage' !!!  

 

Nah, the only thing that can be reported out of above, is a very childish remark. They have already seen severe problems with monkeys in residential areas. They don´t need people breaking the rules to create a bigger problem. The only thing here is two things. The tourist ignored the signs and warnings from Thai people, and broke the prohibition. The only thing sad, is that the fine was as low as 1000 bath. Should have been 10k, as stupidity should hurt.

At no point did the photographer say that it was illegal. He only asked why they were doing it. As the foreignbers asked what his problem was it seems that they were unaware that it was illegal.

 

People feed monkeys all over Thailand so I guess they thought it was ok

Seems like Patrick is a bit of a busy body <deleted>.