PATHUM THANI — A Facebook user posted images of gecko in cooked sticky rice in a public community news group for Rangsit, saying he became violently ill after eating it, triggering a wave of reactions from other users.
The post, shared by a user under the name Rakna Manita, said he felt nauseous and began vomiting from 07:00 and had not recovered, forcing him to see a doctor and take time off work. He asked other members to recommend medication for nausea, saying he felt exhausted and sick throughout the day. He added that he could not name the shop where the food was bought to avoid potential legal issues under the Computer Crime Act.
After the images were posted, many social media users commented, with some saying the images were disturbing and made them feel sick themselves.
On 17 January 2026, reporters contacted the Facebook user, identified as Suthep Kaenla, 51, a food delivery rider. He said he had gone to pick up his girlfriend after work and stopped to buy a packet of sticky rice with fermented pork, which he regularly purchases from a roadside stall.
After returning home, he began eating and had nearly finished when he noticed something black inside the rice. At first, he thought it was mould, but after inspecting it more closely, he discovered it was a gecko.
“At first, I felt fine, but once I realised what it was, I started vomiting uncontrollably,” he said. He later developed diarrhoea from about 07:00 until midday, leaving him extremely weak and exhausted.
Unable to cope with the symptoms, he sought medical treatment. Doctors gave him medication for nausea and vomiting, along with oral rehydration salts, and said the symptoms were likely caused by food poisoning. His condition has since improved, though he said the incident still lingers in his mind.
Suthep said the stall is located in the Khlong Nueng area of Khlong Luang district and is one he frequents because it is on his regular route. He initially considered taking legal action but decided against it, saying he felt sympathy for the vendor, who has young children and depends on the business for income.
He said he plans to speak privately with the vendor to raise concerns about hygiene without harming their livelihood. He also called on consumer protection authorities to conduct spot checks on roadside food stalls, particularly on cleanliness and food safety.
He warned consumers to check food carefully before eating, saying unexpected contamination can have serious consequences. He added that the stall is usually very busy, especially in the mornings, and sells large volumes of food.