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Coming Across A Monitor Lizard In Bangkok

By

Monitor Lizard

I was recently in Bangkok again during a RTW trip.  A nice break from the winter back in New England, the weather was perfect.  85 degrees by mid-morning I was taking full advantage of the warm temperatures and running a few miles everyday.   Benjakiti Park is beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of  Bangkok, a perfect venue to throw on your running shoes and knock out a few miles.  Having been in Bangkok several times over the last year I have utilized the walkway surrounding the small lake in the center of Benjakiti Park every visit.

lizard

File Photo

 

I was on my second lap around the lake when a “giant” lizard went scurrying across the path and into the bushes! At least 4 feet long.  I was more than surprised and I am pretty sure a choice word slipped out.  I paused for a second and then picked up my pace to put a little distance between me and the lizard.  I had never seen a lizard that big before and was eager to learn about what I just saw.   After I made my way back to my hotel I asked the security guard and he was able to explain in broken English that I saw a monitor lizard. (2nd largest to the Komodo)  I also learned that these creatures are liked in Thailand about as much as rats.  Tua Nguen Tua Tong is the Thai name which loosely translates to silver and gold creature.  Also called “hia”  which is to be be considered a swear or an insult.  Even saying the name out loud can be considered bad luck.  Although not really a threat to humans  unless provoked, they have claws and sharp teeth with nasty saliva that can cause a bad infection,  I’ll keep my distance and have to keep my pace up!

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Tags: Bangkok, Thailand. Benjakiti Park. Monitor Lizard Categories: Bangkok, Thailand, Travel

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Comments

  1. silentthunder_ says

    February 24, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    Wow, you were lucky that it just scurried across the path!

    • SoloBagging.com says

      February 25, 2015 at 9:46 am

      Lucky I didn’t fall from shock ! lol

  2. Adam Maire says

    December 9, 2015 at 11:23 pm

    I didn’t know they were so common in Bangkok! When we stayed there last month our hostel was right off the river and it had a little pond in the center of the grounds. We saw one of these swimming in the pond and thought it was just a pet! It seemed really skittish but I wasn’t going to try to go swim with it either. They are pretty wicked looking! Thanks for shedding some light on this for us Karl!

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Meet The Author -

Karl is a ferry boat captain by trade. Traveler and hack writer while he's not piloting boats. Born in the U.S. to a German father and a Norwegian mother, Karl has been traveling internationally since he was just 2.
Trying to see as much of the world through the eyes of locals. Budget minded solo travel. An avid obstacle racer, skier and former motorcycle racer.










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