Thai authorities have approved the relocation of wild macaques to curb the spiralling monkey population in Lopburi province.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) said that the project has been approved to address the monkey infestation that has been plaguing long-suffering residents.

The DNP met with provincial officials and came up with several guidelines to better bring the macaques under control.

Ministry of Interior agencies were allowed to address the monkey-related problems without needing approval from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

The DNP was also tasked with helping to sterilise the macaques, including catching the animals in cages and creating a suitable care program for them. Local authorities were also encouraged to establish animal hospitals for injured monkeys.

The DNP said the Protected Area Regional Office 1 will also cooperate in addressing the situation.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed by the relevant agencies, who said they hoped to transform Lopburi into a city where locals and monkeys can co-exist peacefully.

Lopburi has become a popular tourist destination because of its large population of monkeys. The monkeys are mostly long-tailed macaques, and they can be found all over the city, from the temples to the streets.

However, they can also be aggressive, and they have been known to steal food and belongings.