Lopburi's ‘monkey buffet’

Over 4,000 kilos of food was offered to the town's hungry macaques during the annual feast, including cans of soda and lollipops

We wonder if this little guy was given a product placement fee for being snapped chugging back a can of soda during the annual Lopburi ‘monkey buffet.’

There are some satisfied long-tailed macaques in Lopburi right now, having stuffed themselves silly on over 4,000 kilos of goodies at Sunday's annual ‘monkey buffet.’

Lopburi is a popular tourist town about 150 kilometers north of Bangkok famous for the small but fearless long-tailed macaques that have taken over a few of its ancient temples. Every year on the last Sunday of November, Lopburi's monkeys -- estimates range from 600 to 2,000 -- are 'invited' to dine on fruits, vegetables and other treats like soda and lollipops.

According to the Thai version of the Ramayana legend, Rama created the ancient city of Lopburi with the help of his friend Hanuman the Monkey King. Rather than view the town's naughty, thieving monkeys as an annoyance, many of Lopburi’s residents consider the macaques descendants of Hanuman. Hence this delicious monkey buffet is held in their honor -- and to promote tourism, of course.

Monkeys aren't the only Thai animal celebrated every November. Check out our video highlights of Surin's recent Elephant Roundup. (Gallery 1)


source: cnngo.com