Thailand's Water Monitor

Water Monitors are common in Thailand and are a protected species.  This is a small one we saw by the road. They can get up to five feet in length. They generally are harmless, but are considered a nuisance because they eat the fish from the ponds people depend on for food.

I have often heard them called crocodiles-- "crocodi" by the residents. Thailand does have true crocodiles.

Just a fun tidbit.