In August 2012, A juvenile Water Monitor took up residence beneath our house in Bangkok. Now, 11 months on (July 2013) it is over 1m long and has been fed weekly on Chicken Breast and Fish fillets. The Water Monitor, (Varanus salvator) is a large species of monitor lizard capable of growing to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length, with the average size of most adults at 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) long. Maximum weight of Varanus salvator can be over 25 kilograms (55 lb), but most are half that size. Their body is muscular with a long, powerful, laterally compressed tail. Water monitors are one of the most common monitor lizards found throughout Asia In Thailand, the word Water Monitor or local word 'เหี้ย' (hia) is used as an insulting word for evil things including people with bad driving skills, men who have been unfaithful or people who win the lottery after only buying one ticket :) Its name is also considered a word bringing a bad luck, so some people prefer to call them 'ตัวเงินตัวทอง' which means 'silver and gold' in Thai to avoid the jinx. I know, I know, all my Thai friends will say I am crazy - but the monitors are just such amazing animals that I can not help it!!!!!! Music by Kevin MacLeod of incompetech.com ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAyVynJx1Ag

160 pound Giant Mekong Catfish caught at Bung Samran in Thailand - Details at www.john-tom.com Music by Kevin MacLeod. Fishing in Thailand See the website for venues, map and details for fishing in Thailand ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkuFKxu6XNg

RC Battle Tank with Airsoft BB gun - free plans at www.john-tom.com ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnobaZ7BjHE

Pattaya Jungle Hash House Harriers is a family-friendly mixed hash that runs on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month. We welcome all runners and walkers who enjoy good food, cold drinks, and great company! COST: Men 350 Baht, Women 150 Baht, Children (Under 16) 50 Baht + 100 Baht to ride the baht bus. Sign up fee includes some food and free beverages (including beer) after the run. Bus leaves at 3:00 pm from 3rd Road, outside the Buffalo Bar, 80 metres towards Pattaya Tai from Soi Lengke, Run Starts 4:00 pm. More information at https://pattayajungle.com/ ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPAwuKzmuDM