It is strictly regulated.
Owning a monkey in Thailand requires compliance with wildlife protection laws enforced by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). While private ownership is not outright banned, permits are mandatory, and only certain species are eligible under the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019). The 2026 amendments tighten oversight, mandating microchipping and veterinary inspections. Unauthorized possession risks confiscation, fines up to ฿400,000, or imprisonment for up to four years.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Thailand
- Permit Mandate: A wildlife possession permit from the DNP is required, with applications scrutinized for conservation compliance. Permits are denied for endangered species under CITES Appendix I.
- Species Restrictions: Only non-endangered species like macaques (Macaca fascicularis) may be owned, subject to veterinary clearance. Native gibbons and lorises are strictly prohibited.
- Ethical and Logistical Obligations: Owners must provide enclosures meeting DNP standards (minimum 10m² per animal), undergo annual inspections, and submit health reports. Breeding without authorization is illegal under the 2026 Wildlife Act revisions.