LOPBURI — A Swedish tourist was injured in a monkey attack at the historic Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi, Thailand on December 30. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. when a group of four Swedish tourists was visiting the famous landmark.
One of the tourists, Mr. Joel, sustained a 2-centimeter wound on his right neck after being bitten by one of the local monkeys. Police from Tha Hin station immediately called for emergency medical services, and the victim was transported to Pranararai Maharaj Hospital for treatment and vaccination.
Banjerd Roisaensuk, a site caretaker, explained that the incident occurred during a staff shift change. He suggested the attack might have been triggered either by the monkey attempting to snatch the tourist’s belongings or by tourists handling baby monkeys, which often provokes protective behavior from mother monkeys.
“Such incidents have become rare since the monkey population was reduced,” Banjerd noted. “The monkeys are typically attracted to items like sunglasses, headbands, colorful bags, or food. We always warn both Thai and foreign tourists about this, and sometimes we need to use sticks to control more unruly monkeys.”
The incident comes during the New Year holiday season, when many tourists visit the temple to pay respects to Chao Pho Phra Kaan and observe the remaining monkey population. Local authorities and the Ministry of Natural Resources have previously relocated over 2,000 monkeys to a dedicated sanctuary, leaving a generally less aggressive population at the historic site.
The temple area has recently been enhanced with street art installations by the Lopburi City Municipality for the New Year festival, attracting more visitors to the location.
Officials emphasized that this was an isolated incident, as the remaining monkey population is generally well-behaved and non-aggressive. They continue to advise visitors to exercise caution and follow staff guidelines when visiting the historic site.
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