Thailand monkey festival returns after 2 year hiatus

Thousands of monkeys gathered in Thailand’s Lopburi as they feasted on nearly two tonners of fruits and vegetables as the Monkey Festival kicked off after a two-year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Take a look at the pictures.

Thousands of monkeys gathered in Thailand’s Lopburi as they feasted on nearly two tonnes of fruits and vegetables as the Monkey Festival kicked off after a two-year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Credit: Reuters Photo

Hundreds of macaques, also known as long-tailed monkeys, were seen climbing on people and stacks of fruit, munching away on bananas and pineapples. Credit: Reuters Photo

This festival is an annual tradition where locals thank monkeys for doing their part in drawing tourists to this place, which is also known as “Monkey Province.” Locals spend over 100,000 baht (Rs. 2.25 lakhs approx.) to feed the monkeys during the festival. Credit: Reuters Photo

Monkeys are seen eating fruits during the annual Monkey Festival in Lopburi, Thailand. Credit: Reuters Photo

The theme for this year's festival was wheelchair monkeys, and Yongyuth Kitwatanausont planned to donate 100 wheelchairs to needy people. Yongyuth has previously organised over 30 monkey festivals. Credit: Reuters Photo

Tourists have been returning to Thailand after the government launched a quarantine-free travel scheme for vaccinated tourists in November, and the festival proved a popular draw. Credit: Reuters Photo

Tourists have been returning to Thailand after the government launched a quarantine-free travel scheme for vaccinated tourists in November, and the festival proved a popular draw. Credit: Reuters Photo

Macaque monkeys climb onto a photographer at the Phra Prang Sam Yod temple during the annual Monkey Festival in Lopburi, Bangkok. Credit: Reuters Photo

Monkeys are seen drinking juice outside the Phra Prang Sam Yod temple during the annual Monkey Festival in Lopburi, Bangkok. Credit: AFP Photo