This is the terrifying moment a huge monitor lizard emerged in a clothing shop as the staff ran for cover.

The large wild reptile stormed into a rental costume shop Mamiigift owned by Kanokporn Papet in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 28.

CCTV footage shows the reptile sauntering in from the back of the shop while the owner and her employees were talking about work.

A sudden loud noise, caused by the lizard's tail sweeping the floor, grabbed their attention. As the employees spotted the unexpected visitor, their screams echoed through the shop, making a frantic retreat.

Moments later, two of the employees used a long stick to drive the animal away through the front door and called the rescue team.

After a few strong pushes towards the hefty monitor lizard, they successfully moved it away from the store.

Kanokporn said: 'This one was so big. I'm amazed that it could get into the shop. I'm keeping the doors closed at all times from now on.'

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.