Drought drives hungry monkeys to temple in Trang

2026-03-25 - 06:51

TRANG — 25 March 2026, More than 300 long-tailed macaques have descended on a temple in southern Thailand in search of food and water, as a severe drought dries up natural resources in the area. At Wat Khao Pina in Huai Yot district, abbot Phra Athikan Boonlert Techapanyo has been feeding the monkeys with bananas after they began leaving nearby hills in groups of 40 to 120 to approach the temple. The monkeys, divided into four troops, have been taking turns coming down from Khao Pina mountain to the temple grounds, where they sit outside the abbot’s quarters or along the verandas waiting for food. The drought this year has been more severe than in previous years, leaving vegetation parched and water sources depleted. Despite their growing numbers, the monkeys have not shown aggressive behaviour. Monks say they do not damage property or attack people, instead waiting calmly for food. Once fed, they typically return to the hills, but on days when food or water is scarce, they remain at the temple throughout the day, particularly in the morning and evening. Some monkeys have also been seen foraging through rubbish bins or shaking trees to attract attention from monks. The abbot said the temple has been sharing leftover food and fruit, but supplies are insufficient due to the large population, which continues to grow as most of the animals have not been sterilised. Some monkeys have migrated to a nearby hill about 500 metres away, where food is also limited. In response, the abbot has appealed on the temple’s Facebook page for donations of fruit such as bananas, sugarcane and other food to help feed the animals during the dry season. Local residents have contributed, but demand still exceeds supply. He warned that some monkeys have ventured outside the temple in search of food, where they risk being hit by vehicles, attacked by dogs or harmed by people. “This year the drought is more severe and the heat is more intense than last year. Food has run out quickly,” the abbot said. “When there is no food, the monkeys come down to the temple. If there is food, they will not come.” He added that the monkeys’ behaviour reflects hunger rather than aggression, insisting they remain docile and do not harm visitors. Those wishing to donate food can contact the temple via its Facebook page or by phone, the abbot said.