Tourist Feeds Monkeys In Thailand & Ignores Local Desperately Begging Him To Stop
Officials are now trying to track him down.
By Tamara Jayne — 07 May 2025, 10:31 AM
A Western tourist is in hot water after being caught on video feeding potato chips to wild monkeys at Monkey Bay on Phi Phi Island, Thailand — despite clear rules banning the act and multiple warning signs
The now-viral clip, shared by TikTok user @patrickbangkok, shows the man standing in waist-deep water as he happily hands out snacks to a group of long-tailed macaques.
As he's feeding them, a Thai local can be heard off-camera urging him and his group to stop, warning them in English not to feed the monkeys.
At one point, the woman filming glances over at the man shouting the warnings but quickly turns back, ignoring him and continuing to film
Other tourists were also seen watching and filming with their phones, laughing in excitement.
The incident took place in Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, a protected marine area in Krabi.
Park officials have since confirmed they are working to identify the tourist to fine him under Thai national park laws
Feeding wildlife there is strictly banned, with signs in Thai, English, and Chinese clearly stating that violators face a 1,000 baht fine (about RM129).
After the video began circulating online, outrage poured in
Many netizens slammed the tourist's behaviour, criticising him for not respecting nature — and the rules — especially since locals were literally begging him to stop.
According to The Nation, some commenters even called for harsher penalties, including steeper fines, deportation, or jail time.
A popular Thai Facebook page also criticised the group's tour guide for not stepping in, raising concerns about poor tourist education and weak enforcement.
In a later update, park officials confirmed the incident occurred at Ao Ling Sam Hat (Monkey Bay) — a scenic but sensitive monkey habitat. They are continuing their investigation and have promised to hold the tourist accountable.
