A monitor lizard took a dip in a restaurant's water fountain to escape the hot weather in Thailand.

The 6ft long beast entered the shop in Samut Prakan province on May 7 and plunged into the small pool to cool off from high temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius when it was spotted by the shocked owner who contacted a rescue team.

Footage shows the reptile soaking in the murky green water of the fountain before the officers hauled it outside using a noose.

The monitor lizard, reluctant to leave its cool haven, flailed trying to break free, but was no match for the wildlife handlers, who bound its limbs before setting it free away from the restaurant. The operation took 30 minutes.

The rescue team advised locals to call them in case they encounter reptiles or other venomous animals instead of handling the creatures on their own.

They said they were trained and had the proper equipment, and their services were free of charge.

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.