This is the amusing moment a wild monitor lizard gatecrashed a family enjoying their barbecue dinner in Thailand.

CCTV footage shows three men eating on a mat next to their front gate when the reptile appeared in Samut Prakan province on March 14.

The beast ran through the middle of their picnic, scattering food across the ground as the startled men leapt up in fear.

House owner Jariya Budda said: ‘It was totally unexpected. Who would have thought a monitor lizard would attack us during dinner? Nobody saw it coming and suddenly it was there on our blanket.’

The reptile sniffed around the yard before turning round and leaving through the front door.

It is believed to have emerged from a nearby canal and entered the home while searching for food.

Jariya said the lizard disappeared into nearby undergrowth and has not been seen again since.