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
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!
Wow, you were lucky that it just scurried across the path!
Lucky I didn’t fall from shock ! lol
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!