Monkeys in Thailand: How to Avoid Losing Your Phone and Your Nerves 🐒📱
Monkeys in Thailand are a special attraction in themselves. They're everywhere: in the ancient temples of Lopburi, on the beaches of Railay, on Phuket's viewpoints, and even on hotel balconies. They look cute, especially the babies. But behind this cuteness lie cunning, brazen, and highly intelligent animals that can ruin your day in a second.
So here's a quick guide: how to avoid becoming a victim of a furry attacker, and what to do if a monkey bites you.
❌ WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER DO
1. Don't feed the monkeys
This is the most important rule in all places. Feeding the monkeys makes them more aggressive and brazen. They begin to associate people with food, and if they don't get what they want, they may attack. In many places, feeding monkeys is even illegal—you can get a fine.
Monkeys accustomed to being fed will rummage through trash cans, steal backpacks, and attack people if they refuse to share. So, "feeding a cute monkey" is the fastest way to turn them into aggressive beggars.
2. Don't smile or make eye contact.
In the monkey world, a direct, staring gaze is a challenge and a threat. And when you smile, you're showing your teeth. For them, this is a signal of aggression. So, no selfies with a big smile—it's better to use zoom.
3. Don't take food or valuables openly.
Monkeys are professional pickpockets. They can snatch a phone, sunglasses, earrings, or camera and drag them up a tree. Returning the stolen items is almost impossible.
Remove all food, close bags and backpacks, and hide small items in closed pockets.
4. Don't touch or pet the monkeys
As tempting as it may be to pet a furry baby, you shouldn't. Monkeys are wild animals, and their reactions are unpredictable. They can bite or scratch instantly, even if they seem friendly.
5. Don't wave your arms or shout
Sudden movements and loud noises can be perceived as a threat. Panicking and running can trigger the monkey's predatory instincts. The best thing to do is freeze, avoid direct eye contact, and calmly wait until the monkey loses interest.
✅ HOW TO BEHAVE CORRECTLY
· Observe from a distance. The safest distance is one from which you can't reach the monkey, and the monkey can't reach you.
· Close windows and balconies at your hotel. If you live near a jungle, monkeys may enter your room in search of food.
If a monkey approaches, freeze. Don't make any sudden movements. Monkeys quickly read emotions, and if you show fear, they may take advantage of it.
Move calmly and quietly. Don't run, scream, or wave your arms.
Listen to the locals. Guides and park staff know how to interact with monkeys in their area. Heed their advice.
🚨 IF A MONKEY BITES OR SCRATCHES YOU
Macaque bites and scratches are very dangerous. They carry rabies, the herpes B virus, and other infections. Therefore, you must act immediately.
1. Wash the wound immediately. Rinse thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Treat the wound with antiseptic. Use Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, or alcohol. It's best not to use iodine or brilliant green.
3. See a doctor IMMEDIATELY. Even if the wound seems small, a doctor should evaluate it and prescribe post-exposure rabies vaccination and other necessary immunizations.
If you have insurance, contact your insurance company first and follow their instructions.
🐒 WHERE IS THE BEST WHERE TO WATCH MONKEYS (RISK-FREE)
If you want to watch monkeys safely, here are the best options:
Lopburi (Monkey City). Ancient temples home to hundreds of macaques. There's even an annual festival where the monkeys are treated.
Wat Suwan Khuha (Monkey Cave Temple), Phang Nga Province. A unique cave with monkeys living on the slopes.
Railay (Krabi). Macaques roam the beaches and jungles, but the troop here is less aggressive than in Lopburi.
· Monkey Island (near Phi Phi). The monkeys live right on the rocks near the water, and you can reach them by boat.
So what's the bottom line?
Monkeys in Thailand are cool, interesting, and very photogenic, but only if you keep your distance and follow safety rules. Don't feed them, don't touch them, don't smile, and hide valuables—then your encounter with them will leave only pleasant memories.
Have you encountered monkeys on your travels? Share your stories (and warnings) in the comments 👇