The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has postponed the further capture of macaques in Lop Buri’s Muang district until May, because construction of a huge cage, in which to keep up to 700 monkeys, is not yet complete.

The department’s director-general, Atthaphon Charoenchansa, appealed for understanding from residents in the Muang district, assuring them that the department does not intend to delay the capture the monkeys for longer than necessary and it will continue once the cage at Pho Sam Ton sub-district is ready.

He said that the previous operation focused on capturing the male alphas, with over 30 being caught. The next round of captures will target the general monkey population.

This time, instead of using anaesthetic darts, Atthaphon said that officials will lure the monkeys into two cages, each of which is 1.8 metres tall, 1.8 metres wide and 12 metres long.

The two cages will be placed in front of Asia Hotel and Seng Heng shop, he said, adding that he expects about 10 monkeys are to be captured each time.

About 100 people, including 25 park officials and veterinarians, who will also sterilise the captured monkeys, army personnel from the 13th army circle and municipal officials, will take part in catching as many as 700 monkeys, which will help reduce the problems being caused by these primates in the old town area of the Muang district.