A monitor lizard clung to the top of an electricity post after being chased by stray dogs.

The reptile emerged from a canal and crawled onto a pavement when it was spotted by the mutts in Bangkok, Thailand on July 1.

To escape the aggressive pooches, the frantic lizard scampered up the pole but remained stuck on top until locals spotted it.

Footage shows the monitor lizard hugging the concrete post as concerned locals tried to lure it down to safety.

Astonished onlooker Nopphon Pimsri said: ‘The monitor lizard seemed so calm while it was on top, like it really went up there to get some tan.'

The lizard eventually climbed down and slipped into the canal while the dogs were gone.

Monitor lizards are a common sight across Thailand including in the capital city Bangkok where they lived on canals and rivers. These reptiles are a protected species in the country so their population thrived. They were usually shy among humans but have fangs that could pierce through the skin and cause injuries.