The one-metre square defence barriers are made out of zinc and have been affixed to electric poles throughout the southern Thai town. PEA electricians have separated low and high voltage cables. They have also moved cables underground outside the town’s Phibunwithayalai School as it is a major blackspot for monkey accidents.
There have been numerous incidents in Lopburi in which monkeys have been electrocuted by touching lives wires. The short-circuit usually causes a blackout which can affect much of the town.
Lopburi is noted for tribes comprising hundreds of macaque monkeys and the landmark Prang Sam Yot Khmer temple. Lopburi is just over two hours north of Bangkok by train and 12GO ASIA is a practical source for buying advance tickets. The image of Lopburi’s monkeys comes courtesy of Crazy Ivory.
Lopburi electricity board installs safety gadgets for monkeys
News in Asia
The local electricity board office in Lopburi has installed safety devices to prevent monkeys from touching live wires. Lopburi comes under Region III of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and its technicians have developed a gadget that stops the ubiquitous monkeys from getting to high voltage cables.