Krabi, Thailand – A foreign tourist is facing penalties after a viral video captured them feeding potato chips to wild monkeys at Monkey Bay on Phi Phi Island, a popular destination in Thailand’s Krabi province. The act, which violates strict marine park regulations, has led to widespread outrage online and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect the island’s wildlife.
The incident occurred at Monkey Bay, a protected area within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, where feeding wildlife is prohibited to prevent health issues in animals and maintain ecological balance. Clear warning signs in multiple languages are posted throughout the area, explicitly instructing visitors not to feed the monkeys. Despite these measures, the unidentified Western tourist was filmed offering potato chips to the animals, prompting swift condemnation from viewers on social media.
Park authorities in Krabi are now working to identify the suspect, with plans to impose a fine under Thailand’s National Park Act. The current penalty for such violations is 1,000 baht (approximately $30 USD), though many netizens argue this amount is insufficient to deter future infractions. Online discussions have highlighted concerns about the impact of human food on the monkeys’ health, with some users advocating for higher fines or stricter enforcement to safeguard the island’s delicate ecosystem.
Some people have even called for the deportation or possible prison time of the suspect and pointed out that in videos of the incident Thai citizens are warning the man not to feed the monkeys and other western tourists with the man responded with insults and rude comments in English, including usage of profanities. It’s unclear in the footage where the tour guide for the group was or if they took action and this is also being investigated.
