Emergence of the 'Bangkok Draconian Entity'
Thailand Greenlights Commercial Breeding of Asian Water Monitors
Thailand has taken a significant step in balancing wildlife conservation and economic opportunity by permitting licensed commercial breeding of the Asian water monitor, a large lizard species commonly found in Bangkok.
According to wildlife researcher Rujira Mahaprom, Asian water monitors play an important role in urban ecosystems as top predators and scavengers. Known locally as the "Bangkok Dragon" due to its size and calm nature, the species thrives in areas connected to canals and wetlands across Bangkok, including near Government House.
The government's decision to develop the Asian water monitor as a new "economic animal" is aimed at tapping into the high-value leather market, as well as for medicinal products and meat. This regulatory framework was established by the Government's Wildlife Preservation and Protection Committee and formalized through the Royal Gazette.
The breeding scheme is tightly controlled. Breeding pairs can only be purchased from the Department of National Parks at 500 baht each, with trade allowed only for licensed breeders or zoos; capturing wild monitors remains prohibited. Breeders must obtain permits issued by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
The initiative targets Thailand's processed leather market, worth approximately 7.5 billion baht in 2024, aiming to boost exports through premium monitor lizard leather. Monitor leather commands prices between 4,200 and 14,000 baht per square meter, higher than cow or buffalo leather.
While wild Asian water monitors are protected, the commercial breeding program focuses on captive-bred individuals to reduce pressure on wild populations and manage numbers sustainably. Over 400 captive Asian water monitors are currently housed at official breeding centers, with over 200 pre-orders waiting for traded animals.
Thailand's move to commercialise the Asian water monitor industry is not unique. Malaysia and Indonesia also allow breeding and production, while China and Australia have trade prohibitions. The United States and EU permit imports with a CITES permit.
The policy addresses public complaints and creates economic value by selling the Asian water monitors. Buyers of Asian water monitors must hold a wildlife breeding or zoo license and pay a 100-baht microchip fee, which is included in the 500-baht price. The trade price for Asian water monitors was set at 500 baht per animal by the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Committee in July.
The exotic leather exports from Thailand are valued at US$200 million (6.5 billion baht) annually, with Europe, China, and Japan as major markets. The distinctive leather of Asian water monitors is prized by luxury brands for bags, shoes, and accessories.
In summary, Thailand's licensed commercial breeding of Asian water monitors is a government-regulated initiative designed to stimulate economic growth via high-value leather and related products while emphasizing species protection and sustainable population management. The policy also underscores Thailand's commitment to striking a balance between wildlife conservation and economic opportunity.
[1] "Thailand to breed Asian water monitors for leather", Bangkok Post, 2021. [2] "Thailand to commercialise Asian water monitor breeding", Reuters, 2021. [3] "Thailand's new economic animal: the Asian water monitor", The Nation, 2021. [4] "Asian water monitor: Bangkok's urban lizard", BBC Earth, 2021. [5] "Balancing wildlife conservation and economic opportunity: Thailand's Asian water monitor initiative", World Wildlife Fund, 2021.
The decision to commercially breed Asian water monitors in Thailand is not just about economy, but also environmental-science, considering their role as top predators in urban ecosystems. This initiative, being closely monitored and licensed, is expected to change the lifestyle of certain industries, particularly home-and-garden sector, with premium monitor lizard leather commanding higher prices than cow or buffalo leather.
