The wall gecko "TUK KAE" is a lizard six to nine inches long, named for the sound it makes.
As the "TUK KAE" is commonly found in houses, people believe that they may be reincarnated relatives.
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The wall gecko
("TUK KAE" - ตุ๊กแก) or
house lizard
("CHINGCHOK" - จิ้งจก)
can be found everywhere in Thailand. Thai people can
eat "TUK KAE" but not "CHINGCHOK".
House lizard appear at night time and make shrill sound.
If their tail is cut, it will grow again. Whatever homeowner
does, house lizard always find a way to enter inside home.
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| House lizard |
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If a "CHINGCHOK" falls in front of somebody going out, it means that he is going to have serious problems. This belief is based on that house lizards should never fall from ceiling or walls.
Some other beliefs mention that a man with a new wife should not eat "GAENG TUK KAE" (แกงตุ๊กแก) as it may arouse her. It is also a sin to eat "TUK KAE" for some people.
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Chameleons ("KINGKA" - กิ้งก่า) are kept by collectors
for their beauty. in Northeast of Thailand, they are part of local delicacies.
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| Chameleon |
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Famous old Thai movie about chamelons is กิ้งก่ากายสิทธิ์ by Sompote Sangduenchai.
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Such big slow lizard can often be seen in Thai parks or in
Buddhist temples with ponds.
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| Pond lizard |
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Other Thai horror movies related to lizards are อาถรรพณ์ตุ๊กแกผี and ตุ๊กแกผี by Manop Udomdej.
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