Economy Thailand Plans to Turn Monitor Lizards into Economic Opportunity

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is transforming its perspective on monitor lizards, moving from viewing them as pests to potential income sources. The government has decided to sell these fearsome reptiles for 500 baht each, aiming to boost economic opportunities.

 

Only licensed buyers will be allowed to purchase the breeding stock, which will be sold by the Department of National Parks (DNP). Each lizard will be equipped with a microchip to prevent poaching.

 

“The monitor lizard remains a protected species, but it can be bred,” explained Chalerm Pummai, director of the DNP’s Wildlife Conservation Office. The decision, made by the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee, intends to add “commercial value” to these creatures, turning them into a viable “economic animal” for farmers and entrepreneurs.

 

The leathery skins of the lizards are expected to become luxurious leather products, with initial sales of breeding pairs taking place at the Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station in Ratchaburi province. A private company has already shown interest in purchasing 30–40 pairs.

 

However, strict regulations will apply. Prospective buyers need a licence to ensure proper breeding conditions. The microchipped monitors will be tracked, and buyers must report any offspring. Unauthorized capturing or keeping of these lizards remains illegal.

 

Officials assure the public that wild populations will not be harmed, noting that many of these lizards were initially removed as nuisances. Releasing them back into the wild might simply recreate the same issues.

 

 

Currently, 290 monitor lizards are being housed at the Khao Son station. The 500 baht price covers a 400 baht rearing cost and a 100 baht microchip fee. The official prices will soon be published in the Royal Gazette.

 

Monitor Lizard Facts:

 

• Thailand’s water monitor lizards can grow up to 3 metres long—larger than a king-size bed.
• They are carnivores, eating fish, frogs, snakes, birds, and even decaying meat.
• Known as "water lizards," they are often seen swimming in Bangkok’s canals.
• In Thai culture, they symbolize bad luck, although some believe saying their name can bring good fortune.
• Their bites are dangerous due to bacteria-laden saliva, potentially causing infections.
• Despite new breeding initiatives, monitor lizards remain protected by law—no capturing or keeping them without a permit.

 

This initiative marks a significant shift in how Thailand manages its wildlife, turning a challenging situation into an economic opportunity.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-04

 

 

[Thingamabob]

Just leave them alone.

[damian]

Love you're leather pants.

 

Thanks they're monitor lizard. 

 

Euwww. Barf!

[Jack Hammer]

After purchasinga pair of monitor lizard leather  trousers, would there be any adverse effects upon my lizard?

[roo860]

Ey hia

[hotchilli]

6 minutes ago, Jack Hammer said:

After purchasinga pair of monitor lizard leather  trousers, would there be any adverse effects upon my lizard?

Hissing Sid might get sticky in the heat

[RayOday]

The government should be ashamed. Selling lizards for 500 baht? What's next? Flea markets to gin up revenue. 

They should just copy/troll Trump's corrupt schemes.

Last year I was in Koh Rong and there were lizards the size of Komodo Dragons. They were just walking about. 

[hoopmonk]

That's a lot of lizard for 500 THB.

[impulse]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

However, strict regulations will apply. Prospective buyers need a licence to ensure proper breeding conditions.

 

Call me cynical, but I'm forecasting a bunch of poached leather goods showing up in the street markets.  Chipping the critters is a good start, but they need to provide traceability for all the resulting products.  Of course, that means that the powerful families will dominate the market and make all the moolah.  Like they usually do in LOS.

 

I wonder how they taste?  Because, why waste the meat?

 

 

[MarkBR]

Why not ahiya burgers?

[PETERTHEEATER]

35 minutes ago, RayOday said:

The government should be ashamed. Selling lizards for 500 baht? What's next? Flea markets to gin up revenue. 

They should just copy/troll Trump's corrupt schemes.

Last year I was in Koh Rong and there were lizards the size of Komodo Dragons. They were just walking about. 

Protected specie commercialised.  Hia today, gone tomorrow.

[Suetape]

Is it April’s Fools Day again?

[Negita43]

15 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

The government should be ashamed. Selling lizards for 500 baht?

They sell dreams for less  - Phuket  Cruise Centre - 10,000 baht for everyone etc.

All it takes is a social media account.

 

[MikeandDow]

Thailand the hub of lizard pants 

[geisha]

I must say I laughed out loud at this . I can hardly believe it’s true. And I don’t condone, these are wild animals. 

[Negita43]

A nice soft headline - "economic opportunities" . Why not:

aiming to boost economic opportunities  convert lizards into wearables.

[Quentin Zen]

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The government has decided to sell these fearsome reptiles for 500 baht each,

Jurassic Park right here.  First the movie, now for real

 

I was biking the other day and a 9 meter long monitor lizard attacked me.  My 29 dogs and cats are gone.   I don't hear chickens anymore, eggs are now 239 baht for one.  monkeys, gone.  now packs of 1000 are in the road as motorbikes go flying.  

 

DNA changed to make them all different colors.  oh, it's coming.  

 

 

[Reddavy]

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is transforming its perspective on monitor lizards, moving from viewing them as pests to potential income sources. The government has decided to sell these fearsome reptiles for 500 baht each, aiming to boost economic opportunities.

 

Only licensed buyers will be allowed to purchase the breeding stock, which will be sold by the Department of National Parks (DNP). Each lizard will be equipped with a microchip to prevent poaching.

 

“The monitor lizard remains a protected species, but it can be bred,” explained Chalerm Pummai, director of the DNP’s Wildlife Conservation Office. The decision, made by the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee, intends to add “commercial value” to these creatures, turning them into a viable “economic animal” for farmers and entrepreneurs.

 

The leathery skins of the lizards are expected to become luxurious leather products, with initial sales of breeding pairs taking place at the Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station in Ratchaburi province. A private company has already shown interest in purchasing 30–40 pairs.

 

However, strict regulations will apply. Prospective buyers need a licence to ensure proper breeding conditions. The microchipped monitors will be tracked, and buyers must report any offspring. Unauthorized capturing or keeping of these lizards remains illegal.

 

Officials assure the public that wild populations will not be harmed, noting that many of these lizards were initially removed as nuisances. Releasing them back into the wild might simply recreate the same issues.

 

 

Currently, 290 monitor lizards are being housed at the Khao Son station. The 500 baht price covers a 400 baht rearing cost and a 100 baht microchip fee. The official prices will soon be published in the Royal Gazette.

 

Monitor Lizard Facts:

 

• Thailand’s water monitor lizards can grow up to 3 metres long—larger than a king-size bed.
• They are carnivores, eating fish, frogs, snakes, birds, and even decaying meat.
• Known as "water lizards," they are often seen swimming in Bangkok’s canals.
• In Thai culture, they symbolize bad luck, although some believe saying their name can bring good fortune.
• Their bites are dangerous due to bacteria-laden saliva, potentially causing infections.
• Despite new breeding initiatives, monitor lizards remain protected by law—no capturing or keeping them without a permit.

 

This initiative marks a significant shift in how Thailand manages its wildlife, turning a challenging situation into an economic opportunity.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-04

 

 

Coming soon to a menu near you. 😋

[Magictoad]

There are some BEAUTIFUL IGUANAS on sale near me at the market in Soi 5 Pratumnak.  The big ones are as long a your arm and in beautiful vibrant colours; and incredibly laid back.

[boloaf]

3 hours ago, RayOday said:

The government should be ashamed. Selling lizards for 500 baht? What's next? Flea markets to gin up revenue. 

They should just copy/troll Trump's corrupt schemes.

Last year I was in Koh Rong and there were lizards the size of Komodo Dragons. They were just walking about. 

 

[boloaf]

This Turmp Dreangemetn thing is getting ridiculous. According to you lefties, Trump's now responsible for selling monitor lizards in Thailand. Well, you blame him for everything else, why not this too.

[blaze master]

Another stellar idea by those in charge. 

[dinsdale]

Water monitor farms.  Imagine the crocs are monitors.

[Yagoda]

cool creatures. Harmless and fascinating

[Keeenok Powell]

The wife often says i remind her of a monitor lizard.

I didn't know Thais loved them so much.

[chondan]

3 hours ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Protected specie commercialised.  Hia today, gone tomorrow.

That is a good one.

[Nomad1]

Is she a new version of Mona Lisa, Keeenok? 

[Homburg]

4 hours ago, geisha said:

I must say I laughed out loud at this . I can hardly believe it’s true. And I don’t condone, these are wild animals. 

Wild?

 

Being sold for only B500 each they'll be absolutely livid!

[pacovl46]

Their bites are not only bad because of the bacteria in the saliva. They also have primitive venom glands, but the worst part is their teeth. They're long, pointy and razor-sharp. If you get bit by one on the hand, you'll most likely need reconstructive surgery to reattach nerves and tendons.

 

They're fascinating animals, though. 

[Luuk Chaai]

13 hours ago, Jack Hammer said:

After purchasinga pair of monitor lizard leather  trousers, would there be any adverse effects upon my lizard?

 

wait for it ...

remember the other day a guy got busted at the airport for having 3 Ball Pythons in his underwear

well just replace the thumb for another small appendage