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

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I bet none of them used a motorcycle though.

Maybe the leader was smarter than the others

Heard they were headed to Pattaya to beg & get laid.

Seriously, does nobody sterilise these monkeys like soi dogs in Bangkok?

Jeez, 100 escaped and another 1,000 still in the cages.... can we not offer monkey meat for the local soi dogs???

The situation in Lopburi is way out of control and something needs to done... drove through the place a while back and these things are everywhere cause havoc. I know the Bhuddist culture forbids a cull, but a mass sterilizations or taking out large alpha male leaders of them is definitely in order... pronto too.

6 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

The situation in Lopburi is way out of control and something needs to done... drove through the place a while back and these things are everywhere cause havoc. I know the Buddhist culture forbids a cull, but a mass sterilizations or taking out large alpha male leaders of them is definitely in order... pronto too.

Not now, I was there last week, did not see one out and about like before, the wife said they have all been caught, with maybe just a few about, seems they are all in this enclosure, or were.

Good job too, but the town may lose some tourist revenue, especially in the autumn when they are given a big party, all laid out on tables, use to bring in a lot of people to watch it.

Is this the very city where our renown poster GeorgiaGeogia was violently accosted?

4 hours ago, atpeace said:

Is this the very city where our renown poster GeorgiaGeogia was violently accosted?

Yes. Check his whereabouts at the time. He could be lining them up for some payback and that's best done on the mean streets of Lopburi.

No animals should be kept in any damn cages except for some scum bags humans.

Leave the monkeys to enjoy. They deserve it.