Hua Hin Municipality is continuing its efforts to tackle the growing issue of macaques causing disruptions in local communities. On October 3, 2024, Deputy Mayor Ms. Busaba Choksuchart chaired a meeting of prevention and disaster relief officers at the Hua Hin Municipal Office, focusing on strategies to address the challenges posed by the macaques.
The meeting, held at the Poon Suk Room, brought together officers from the municipality’s prevention and disaster relief department, following concerns raised by residents over the damage caused by macaques entering homes and urban areas. While acknowledging these concerns, the municipality emphasised the need to carefully balance the protection of the macaques, which are a legally protected species, with the need to find effective solutions to reduce their impact on local communities.
One of the key proposals discussed was the formation of a dedicated committee and team responsible for capturing macaques that have moved into urban areas, communities, and residential homes. These macaques would then be released back into their natural habitat. Before implementing this plan, the team is required to work closely with the Department of National Parks to ensure the capture process adheres to appropriate guidelines.
In addition, the municipality is exploring plans to repurpose an old birdcage at Khao Hin Lek Fai as a habitat for the relocated macaques. The cage is currently under renovation, and once complete, the gradual relocation of the macaques will begin.
This initiative follows recent steps by the municipality to install traps aimed at controlling the population of crab-eating macaques in Khao Takiab. Discussions are also underway with the Department of National Parks to facilitate the relocation of hundreds of macaques from the same area.