Overview
- A young boy was fatally mauled by his family's long-tailed macaque while playing outside the home on Saturday, June 6, and he died after being rushed to Sichon Hospital.
- The macaque had been rescued and raised by the boy’s grandfather, was tethered to a bamboo pole with a long rope, and neighbours say it had shown prior aggressive behaviour.
- After the attack the grandfather released the animal before officials could seize it and police located the macaque in nearby trees, prompting wildlife teams with tranquilliser equipment to be called in to secure it.
- Local authorities have opened an active investigation, family members have been interviewed and the grandfather is expected to be questioned about whether the macaque was kept without the authorisation Thai law requires.
- The case has left the community grieving, prompted a school tribute for the child, and could trigger closer enforcement of Thailand’s strict rules on keeping wild-caught or protected macaques.