A park known for its monitor lizards has installed a giant sculpture to celebrate the reptiles.

The massive reptile statue made from foam was installed at Lumphini Park in Bangkok, Thailand.

Footage shows the figure with its head held high, standing on a grassy patch near the river on April 25.

An information board was also installed beside the statue, providing details about the species and the ecosystem of the monitor lizards.

Home to an estimated 400 Asian water monitor lizards, the site attracts hundreds of tourists who visit each day to admire and photograph these creatures.

However, park staff urge visitors to avoid feeding the predators to prevent attacks, as their behaviour can be unpredictable.

These 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.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said: 'These lizards' presence only shows a healthy ecosystem, which has long been part of the country. Now we've got a landmark to make that easier.'

Local media reported that Seacon Bangkae mall had previously held the event Guardians of the Garden, which featured the foam statue, from February 26 to March 9.

After the event, the administration requested that the statue be installed at the park as a landmark.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation controls the monitor lizard population to maintain biological diversity.

In Thailand, the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562, passed in 2019, classifies the Asian water monitor as a protected wild animal, making it illegal to hunt, harm, trade, or possess them without legal authorisation.

Violations of this protection are punishable by severe penalties, including up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to 1 million baht (approximately 23,020 GBP).