Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A monitor lizard startled patrons and staff at a restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima province by scaling a wall and entering the premises. This unexpected intrusion led to panic among customers, but the situation was quickly brought under control when the owner alerted rescue workers. The reptile was captured and safely released back into the wild, averting potential chaos.

 

The incident took place on Wednesday evening as staff prepared to open the restaurant. A customer waiting inside heard unusual sounds and observed the lizard climbing over the wall. Quick action by the owner helped ensure the safety of everyone present, preventing further disturbance in the dining area.

 

According to the restaurant owner, the lizard was likely attracted by the smell of food. It is suspected that the animal may have accessed the area through a drainage pipe before making its way inside. The fortunate timing of the discovery—before the arrival of more diners—helped mitigate any major disruption.

 

Experts suggest that encounters with wildlife in urban areas are not uncommon, especially in regions where natural habitats intersect with human activity. The event has prompted discussions on implementing preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future.

 

Looking ahead, local authorities advise restaurant owners to reinforce barriers and conduct regular checks to minimize such wildlife intrusions. Increased awareness and readiness can help manage these unexpected visits more efficiently.

 

Key Takeaways

• A large monitor lizard entered a Thai restaurant, causing temporary panic.
• The animal was captured and released without any injuries to patrons.
• Experts recommend preventive measures to deter similar incidents.

 

Related Stories:

Monitor Lizard Crashes Through Shop Ceiling in Ayutthaya

Giant Monitor Lizard Startles Homeowner, Mistaken for Crocodile

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-26

 

 

Actually he was evacuated from the building, if he was evacuated there would be water monitor poop all over the place. Pedantic I know but standards are important 😉

 

Well this answered a question I had 6 months ago.

 

"""through a drainage pipe"""

 

Our house is enclosed by walls on 3 sides, the front being fenced and gated.

 

We had a  monitor visit us at our back ( security ) door for about 20 seconds before taking off ( a natural lake is 2 minutes from front door ).

 

I went to the front door to wait for the critter to exit - nope, my now guess, via the drainage system - unless it could climb brick walls. ?????

Phew, lucky escape.... for that lizard.  Could have ended up on the menu!

And all that was required was a can of insect spray, you spray a cloud in their direction and they run for the hills. I am amazed at how well insect spray works on any kind of reptile. 

He was chasing a big fat resident rat at the eatery ....

2 hours ago, edwardflory said:

Well this answered a question I had 6 months ago.

 

"""through a drainage pipe"""

 

Our house is enclosed by walls on 3 sides, the front being fenced and gated.

 

We had a  monitor visit us at our back ( security ) door for about 20 seconds before taking off ( a natural lake is 2 minutes from front door ).

 

I went to the front door to wait for the critter to exit - nope, my now guess, via the drainage system - unless it could climb brick walls. ?????

 

 They can climb brick walls.

All a misunderstanding .....Maybe the poor critter has bad eyesight and  read the sign for the menu wrong ?

 

 "We serve A*hi* ....tuna .. 

 

3 hours ago, edwardflory said:

Well this answered a question I had 6 months ago.

 

"""through a drainage pipe"""

 

Our house is enclosed by walls on 3 sides, the front being fenced and gated.

 

We had a  monitor visit us at our back ( security ) door for about 20 seconds before taking off ( a natural lake is 2 minutes from front door ).

 

I went to the front door to wait for the critter to exit - nope, my now guess, via the drainage system - unless it could climb brick walls. ?????

Drainage system seems likely, but also look for excavation under the wall somewhere if the footings are not deep. We had one that dug it's way in this year.

9 hours ago, simon43 said:

Phew, lucky escape.... for that lizard.  Could have ended up on the menu!

Monitor lizards sighting is sign of good luck. They visit our property weekly and enjoy swimming in our khlong. Since they moved in our area we have less snakes.

16 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

And all that was required was a can of insect spray, you spray a cloud in their direction and they run for the hills. I am amazed at how well insect spray works on any kind of reptile. 

I agree, it worked on a cobra just as it was entering the kitchen via an open back door, one quick spray to its face and it retreated so quickly it was as if it had magically disappeared on the spot.