[NYPOST] A marauding army of some 3,500 monkeys have invaded a city center in Thailand, keeping tourists away and forcing businesses to shutter, according to reports.The monkeys have become such a significant problem that the popular city of Lopburi is at risk of becoming a ghost town as Chinese investors are withholding their money until the issue is addressed, according to the South China Post.
Several companies and stores have shut their operations and fled the once-thriving trade center as local macaques harass customers and destroy businesses, according to the report.
Surachat Chanprasit, deputy of Pingya Shopping Center, told Thai outlet Khaosod that monkeys often enter the mall to climb and bother customers who come to shop.
Small business owners who rent space to sell their goods often have to fix roofs, windows and other damages each month. The mall was put up for sale two years ago but there have been no buyers.
Related:
Lopburi: 2022-01-14 Thousands of monkeys terrorise Thai town: Rival gangs battle for supremacy as they compete for food - even climbing on humans and cars - after getting hooked on sugary drinks
Lopburi: 2007-01-21 Thai army officers detained over bombings
Lopburi: 2005-11-28 Thai monkeys won’t behave at banquet in their honor
Lopburi: 2022-01-14 Thousands of monkeys terrorise Thai town: Rival gangs battle for supremacy as they compete for food - even climbing on humans and cars - after getting hooked on sugary drinks
Lopburi: 2007-01-21 Thai army officers detained over bombings
Lopburi: 2005-11-28 Thai monkeys won’t behave at banquet in their honor