A special police unit has been formed to capture aggressive macaque monkeys that cause trouble for residents in Lop Buri.

The monkey suppression unit began operations on Monday.

Officers will use slingshots against aggressive monkeys.

Previously, police were shooting monkeys with sedatives, but it takes at least five minutes for the animals to become sedated. By that time, they could flee to other places, including reaching the top of buildings, which could pose a danger to people.

The first day of the operation received positive feedback from local residents.

The move comes after the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry on Saturday agreed to compensate people attacked by macaques after a surge of incidents in Lop Buri, including at least three major cases this month.

Officials placed cages across the area and trapped nine monkeys on Monday and another seven on Tuesday. They were taken to a wildlife clinic in Saraburi for a health check. They will then be sent to a suitable place for around two months before being sent back to Lop Buri.

Monkeys have been troubling residents in Lop Buri for several years, with a recent study finding there was a population of 5,709 living wild in the province in 2023. The macaques are protected by the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.