Islanders say monkeys bring tourists
A public hearing was held yesterday between the Sirey community, led by Pongchart Chouehorm, director of the Natural and Wildlife Education Centre at Khao Phra Thaew reserve in Thalang, and Prarob Hanchang, the director of the Natural Resources Division in Phuket.
“There are about 200 to 300 monkeys in this area. Some of them have health problems such as obesity and skin diseases. Sanitation and infrastructure improvements are necessary because this is a popular tourist attraction,” said Pongchart.
“The monkeys don’t attack people but we have to prevent potential accidents and the spread of disease within the monkey community. These monkeys have to be sterilised to control the numbers. Warning signs have also been set up to warn residents and tourists not to feed the monkeys.”
Prarob said: “This is the second public hearing. It was raining most of the day so not many people attended today’s hearing. We need to adapt the current plan by conducting a questionnaire to find people’s opinions.”
Rassada residents reportedly agreed with monkey birth control and moving some to nearby islands.
Source: www.thethaiger.com/news/koh-sirey-locals-want-to-keep-the-monkeys-as-a-tourist-attraction