Officer monkeying around: Phuket cop saves Russian’s bag

A police officer in Phuket has earned commendation for his clever approach in retrieving a Russian tourist’s bag from a mischievous monkey at Khao Toh Sae in Phuket Town.

The Incident

The incident, detailed on the Phuket News Hawk page, involved Police Sergeant Supachai Arunchot and Pol. Sgt. Phuthip Chotiwatanakorn of the Phuket Provincial Police. The story began when a macaque monkey became agitated as the tourist and her friend either approached too closely or teased it. In a swift move, the monkey snatched the woman's bag, which contained a phone, a room key card, and a battery charger, and quickly climbed up a tree.

Creative Solution

Pol. Sgt. Supachai, relying on local wisdom, devised a unique plan to recover the stolen items. Following villagers' advice, he threw a stone near the monkey without intending to harm it. Startled by the stone, the monkey dropped the bag, which was then safely retrieved and returned to the relieved tourist.

Social Media Reactions

The amusing yet cautionary tale has sparked various reactions on social media. Users shared their own encounters with monkeys and found humor in the monkey’s antics. Comments ranged from jokes about the monkey’s hypothetical arrest to playful queries about possible penalties for such behavior.

Important Reminder

This incident also served as an opportunity for the officers to remind tourists about the importance of keeping a safe distance from monkeys. Despite their seemingly friendly appearance, monkeys are known for their propensity to snatch items from unsuspecting visitors.

“Please warn tourists who come to hike [at Khao Toh Sae], because sometimes they think monkeys are friendly, but monkeys like to snatch things. You must not hold or get too close to monkeys. Some of them can hurt you,” the officers cautioned.

Related News

In related news, a Thai couple’s encounter with a king cobra has turned into a lottery opportunity. The couple in Suphan Buri discovered a large king cobra under their house, prompting a quick call to rescue services. Believing the snake might bring them luck, they plan to use their house number for lottery tickets.

This story not only highlights the resourcefulness and quick thinking of Phuket’s police officers but also serves as a reminder of the need for caution when interacting with local wildlife.