The monkeys have defied attempts to control their growing numbers using sterilisation methods and authorities may now consider relocating the animals to other islands.
Phuket has called a public meeting to find ways to control the growing problem of the monkey population in the Thai province.
The monkeys have defied attempts to control their growing numbers using sterilisation methods and authorities may now consider relocating the animals to other islands.
The monkey population has been a problem for Phuket residents and tourists since 2015, partly because of people feeding them.
The monkeys have reportedly become more aggressive by stealing food, snatching tourists’ belongings and in residential areas, breaking into houses and damaging property and belongings.
It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 monkeys living in Phuket, most of them long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques.