A monitor lizard at the Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Photo by undefined via Canva
 

In the serene province of Chumphon, a storm is brewing over a viral video showing a local community leader cooking and consuming a monitor lizard. This controversial act has whipped up a frenzy among residents and netizens, who are calling for legal action against the leader.

 

Consuming monitor lizards is illegal under Thai law, as they are a protected species, and many argue that a figure of authority should uphold, not flout, these rules.

 

The heated debate ignited when locals in Pathio district spotted the video on Facebook. The community chief had posted visuals and commentary from his kitchen, informally discussing how he turned the lizard into a local delicacy known as Khua Kling, a spicy southern Thai curry.

 

Despite his jovial tone and the laughter from a woman believed to be his wife behind the camera, residents were not amused. Sharing the post widely, they alerted media outlets, insisting that the authorities take action.

 

Opinions online reveal a nation divided. Some members of the public express outrage, stressing the importance of environmental preservation and legal consequences for the violation.

 

Meanwhile, others voice sympathy towards the leader, highlighting the economic struggles that could drive someone to hunt for food in unconventional places. Comments supporting his actions point to the financial burdens and the abundance of these reptiles, which some claim harm local agriculture and livestock.

 

However, the Royal Forest Department has confirmed the illegality of such actions, pointing out that the monitor lizard is firmly listed as a protected species in Thailand.

 

Violations of the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act attract penalties, with violators facing a potential five-year prison sentence or a fine reaching THB 500,000 (around £11,200).

 

Currently, local enforcement and wildlife protection agencies have not yet summoned the community leader for questioning.

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-09

 

 

What made matters worse was he ate it with chips and not rice

Bet it tastes like chicken

Put enough fish oyster sauce and heaps of chilli it all tastes the same no different than eating crocodile I guess

1 hour ago, sungod said:

Bet it tastes like chicken

You took the words right out of my mouth.

9 hours ago, webfact said:

others voice sympathy towards the leader, highlighting the economic struggles that could drive someone to hunt for food in unconventional places

I highly doubt that a "local community leader from Chumphon" is facing economic hardship...

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Meanwhile, others voice sympathy towards the leader, highlighting the economic struggles that could drive someone to hunt for food in unconventional places.

A community leader broke... please pull the other one it's got bells on.

2 hours ago, sungod said:

Bet it tastes like chicken

Giant lizards are considered a staple food in parts of Mexico and Central America where they're called "Chicken of the tree!"

I tried a lizard once, roasted.  Nasty.

He should be locked up with a Komodo Dragon for 24 hours.

I once asked what is this meat I am  eating in a very nice curry, longtail was the reply, that’s a boat I said, they all laughed.

The opportunity to be outraged is too mush

 

Outrageous

Seeing how Thais treat animals, be it elephants, dogs , or precious wildlife, eating a lizard is mild.