Video Rangers Hunt for Tourists Feeding Monkeys in Krabi's Monkey Bay

[snoop1130]

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

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

Sounds like Australians  

[soi3eddie]

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

[richard_smith237]

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