A large monitor lizard explored a Thai family's garage before being caught hiding behind a Buddhist shrine.

Footage shows the 5ft (1.5m)-long reptile crawling along the driveway, before the family discovered its presence on their property in Samut Prakan province, Thailand, on May 22.

Asian water monitor lizards normally live in canals, swamps, sewers and ponds in cities in Thailand. They feed on fish, snakes, frogs and scraps of food left by humans.

The reptiles are aggressive when threatened and have a mildly venomous bite which sometimes carries harmful bacteria. The Godzilla-like reptiles are also a protected species in the country so their population thrives.

Buddhism is the official religion of Thailand where it was followed by more than 95 percent of the population.

A large monitor lizard explored a family's garage before being caught hiding behind a Buddhist shrine.

Footage shows the 5ft-long reptile crawling along the driveway until a resident discovered it had raided their property in Samut Prakan province, Thailand, on May 22.

Asian water monitor lizards normally live in canals, swamps, sewers and ponds in cities in Thailand. They feed on fish, snakes, frogs and scraps of food left by humans.

The reptiles are aggressive when threatened and have a mildly venomous bite which sometimes carries harmful bacteria. The Godzilla-like reptiles are also a protected species in the country so their population thrives.

Buddhism is the official religion of Thailand where it was followed by more than 95 per cent of the population.