• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Thailand Travel ADVICE

Thaizer Thailand

Thaizer

Thailand news, tips & advice

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Do’s & Don’ts
  • Events & Festivals
  • Weather

Falling Lizards, Friday 13th and Thai Superstitions

Picture the scene. It’s 2 o’clock in the morning, I’ve just switched off my computer and I need some shut-eye. I venture into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Nothing unusual there and what’s that got to do with Thailand anyway, you’re probably thinking. Well, as I’m brushing my teeth I feel something on my head and then it drops into the sink in front me. Jeez, I nearly choked on the Colgate!

A tiny little chingchok (house lizard) sits motionless for a moment before scurrying out of the sink and away up the wall. I’m sure he (or she) was probably more shocked than I was. Lizards of different sizes are common in Thailand (tokay, gecko, chingchok) and no matter where you are staying you are likely to see a small house lizard appear at some stage in your room or just outside it. They’re nothing to be scared of, they don’t bite and will steer well clear of you. In fact, they should be welcomed because they eat mosquitoes.

OK, back to the story of the falling chingchok. A Thai friend, Jeab, calls me this morning and I tell her about the amusing incident with the lizard. There’s a momentary silence on the other end of the phone.
“This very bad luck when have animal fall on head”.

It would have been even worse luck if it was an elephant, I think to myself.

“In Thailand, old story must have bad luck when animal fall on head,” Jeab adds.

Then I realise what the day is; Friday 13th. I’m not superstitious (I used to get a lot of splinters, but I don’t get then anymore . . . touch wood!), but it got me thinking. So I ask Jeab if she knows about the Western belief about Friday 13th.

“Oooh-weee. Suk sip!” she replies.

Suk sip sam (Wan suk sip sam; Friday 13) is also believed by some people in Thailand to be bad luck. I’m not sure why because I always thought it was something that was tied up in Christian beliefs. Anyway, it seems the combination of the falling lizard and the inauspicious date signals bad luck ahead, so if there are no more posts for a while you’ll know why.

Throwing caution to the wind, I ventured outside my apartment and nothing untoward has happened yet. Now I wish I paid more attention to which way the lizard’s tail was pointing when it landed in the sink. Apparently, all is not lost for me; if the tail was pointing to the right I could be in the money. Right, where’s that lottery vendor.

Category: Culture & Etiquette

Book your Thailand transport

Powered by 12Go system

About Roy Cavanagh

Roy Cavanagh is a former stand-up comedian who now works as a freelance writer and website designer. Passionate about Thailand and Thai culture, Roy is also the editor of the online magazine, Fan Club Thailand.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Sidebar

Compare Thailand accommodation

  • Central Thailand
  • East Thailand
  • North Thailand
  • South Thailand

About Thaizer

Thank you for your interest in Thaizer. My name is Roy Cavanagh and I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Thailand and travel to every region of the country over a number of years. Thaizer.com is where I share my knowledge and experience with you. Just like any destination, Thailand has its good points and its bad points and I try to offer honest and practical advice.

Read MORE

Recent Posts

  • Bangkok’s new train station: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station)
  • Thailand Entry Rules
  • Thailand news: January 2023
  • HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha
  • Visa rules for tourists travelling to Thailand
  • How to buy Thailand train tickets online
  • Public Holidays in Thailand, 2023
  • Chiang Mai City Pillar Inthakin Festival

Where to Go

When to Go

Plan your trip

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · Thaizer · Privacy Policy