Monitor lizards are the largest lizards in Thailand, they grow to more than 6 feet long. The one you see in the photo (below) is a mere juvenile and only about 18 inches long, apart from the slender body, his appearance is a good representation of what a fully grown Monitor looks like. This little lizard was the first Monitor lizard I have seen in Pattaya, since I chanced upon him I have seen 2 more, and they were all in the vicinity of Na Jomtien Beach. The small estuary behind The View restaurant, and the scrub land behind the Glass House seem to be popular hangouts for these prehistoric giants. Monitor lizards have been sighted many times in the rural areas of Pattaya, some reports suggest they are bold to enough prey upon domestic livestock such as chickens and ducks, a few distraught dog owners even claim that a monitor lizard had their pet pooch for lunch.
