In an unusual turn of events, a monkey at Toh Sae Hill in Phuket became an unexpected perpetrator when it snatched belongings from two foreign tourists on July 30. The incident quickly gained attention on social media under the hashtags #Phuket and #MonkeyTheft, after images were shared showing the monkey absconding with a mobile phone and bag. The tourists, identified as Russian nationals, were exploring the area when the monkey pounced, grabbing their belongings and fleeing up a tree.
The commotion caught the attention of two off-duty police officers who were exercising nearby – Pol. Corp. Supachai Arunachot from Sakhu Police Station and Pol. Corp. Phuthip Chotwattanakorn from Karon Police Station. The officers quickly intervened, following the monkey into the forested area. They were able to recover the stolen items, thanks to local advice to throw stones near the monkey (without hitting it), prompting the animal to drop the items.
The officers shared the incident on Facebook, humorously noting the “robbery” by the monkey. The post drew numerous comments, including jokes about the monkey’s audacity and the strange nature of the crime.
In recounting the incident, Pol. Corp. Supachai mentioned that the tourists may have gotten too close to the monkey, prompting its aggressive behavior. He advised future visitors to Toh Sae Hill to be cautious with their belongings and to maintain a safe distance from the monkeys, who can sometimes become aggressive and snatch items.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious around wildlife, even in popular tourist areas, to avoid such unexpected encounters.
