Many of you will have read the book "Mai Pen Rai", written some decades ago by a great farang observer.

She mentioned a type of lizard - I seem to remember it was a large type of ghecko - that could drop onto your back and hang on until forcibly removed.

Is there really such a beast ? Correct name and pic's ?

monitor lizard ?

A Tokay would be my guess. Sorry no pic but they are like large geckos yellow with brown spots and a nasty bite. One was on the kitchen wall and I poked it with a long stick to persuade it to go outside. Instead of running off it turned and bit the end of the stick exerting quite a noticeable force.

I think they are absolutely beautiful, but bloody noisy at night.

Have a family living in the walls of one of our homes for the last 4-5 years.

True, or so my Thai neighbours all told me. The big toukays apparently get lockjaw so cannot disengage.

Neighbours then told me the touks stayed in bite hold until the next full moon. I lie not.

True, or so my Thai neighbours all told me. The big toukays apparently get lockjaw so cannot disengage.

Neighbours then told me the touks stayed in bite hold until the next full moon. I lie not.

I would guess Tokay also. They're good luck to have around and never, ever, ever kill one. The wife tells me everytime someone kills a Tokay somewhere a monk will die. Do you want to live with that karma?......Not me.

In four years, I haven't seen a single one around here. My Thai friends says they've all been caught and sold for the Japanese to eat.

Thanks. I know these fellas.

the touks stayed in bite hold until the next full moon

Who needs ghosts ?

My Thai friends says they've all been caught and sold for the Japanese to eat.

Eat or be eaten !

I love the touks. Very good house guests and bug eaters. Except their poo is difficult to clean up.

True, or so my Thai neighbours all told me. The big toukays apparently get lockjaw so cannot disengage.

Neighbours then told me the touks stayed in bite hold until the next full moon. I lie not.

I would guess Tokay also. They're good luck to have around and never, ever, ever kill one. The wife tells me everytime someone kills a Tokay somewhere a monk will die. Do you want to live with that karma?......Not me.

Somtham, I've lost count of the monks I must be responsible for then. Now I know why the price of pork fell! But seriously, ever tried to catch one live? They shit heaps and terrify the kids. Amazing how their toe pads still stick to a piece of wood, or whatever, even after they are dead. I recall being told years ago that they bring good luck if you hear them crying "toukay" seven times in a row - still doesn't bring THEM good luck in my house!