Thai Man Buys "Unwanted" Geckos From People Full-time

Gecko reseller in Thailand

Certain insects are like a gold mine to many Thais; insects are used in many types of traditional medicine, so many full-time retailers prepare and ship these critters overseas.

On 19th April 2021, Mr. Rungthiwa Nonkhemphrome announced on his Facebook Page, Rubsue Jinjok Keegiam Jukgim which translates to “We buy geckos and salamanders”, that he is looking to buy 300 tonnes of geckos for ฿300,000 (~USD$9,600). The post went viral overnight.

Critters being sold in the market:

Exporting dehydrated geckos

Prior to becoming a gecko mogul, Mr. Nonkemphrome was a labourer in Taiwan for seven years. It is assumed that he learned about the lucrativeness of the insect trade due to the fact that they are highly coveted products in traditional medicine.

So, he started out buying geckos for ฿3 (~USD1) per KG from his neighbours in the Isan region, posted One 31. Mr. Nonkemphrome then dehydrated the critters and shipped the final products to China – this business model enabled him to make tens of thousands of Baht in revenue per month, shared 77 Khaoded.

Thai Man Buys "Unwanted" Geckos From People Full-time, Is The Pest Superhero We All Need Image credit: รุ่งทิวา นนท์เข็มพรม

In February 2021, a keen investor saw potential in the gecko trade and wanted Mr. Nonkemphrome’s operation – he provided the gecko reseller with an industrial dehydrator and covered the supply – gecko – costs.

Now, Mr. Nonkemphrome can expect at least ฿1,200,000 (~USD38,400) in profit per shipping, wrote Thai Channel 8 News.

What he advertises on Facebook

His recent advertisement received 1.4K likes and over 3K shares.

Thai Man Buys "Unwanted" Geckos From People Full-time, Is The Pest Superhero We All Need Screenshot: รับซื้อ จิ้งจก ขี้เกี้ยม จั้กกิ้ม

Translation:
#Webuy#livegeckos#for300tonnes฿300,000
#Geckos, once roasted will have them shipped away.

He even provides tips for catching geckos to potential suppliers.

Thai Man Buys "Unwanted" Geckos From People Full-time, Is The Pest Superhero We All Need
Screenshot: รับซื้อ จิ้งจก ขี้เกี้ยม จั้กกิ้ม

Translation:
Here’s how to catch geckos without feeling tired

Smear tranquilizer around a light bulb before the evening when geckos come out to hunt

Just sit back and relax whilst watching the geckos drop on the ground. Please take note that geckos are highly intelligent animals. They know when their compadres are knocked out, so they avoid feeding around the same area. So after you smear the tranquiliser, leave it be and let the geckos fall off themselves.

Netizens express their thoughts on the business venture.

Thai Man Buys "Unwanted" Geckos From People Full-time, Is The Pest Superhero We All Need
Screenshot: รับซื้อ จิ้งจก ขี้เกี้ยม จั้กกิ้ม

Translation:
You can come and catch them for me. I’ll give you Tokay Geckos for free too.

Thai Man Buys "Unwanted" Geckos From People Full-time, Is The Pest Superhero We All Need
Screenshot: รับซื้อ จิ้งจก ขี้เกี้ยม จั้กกิ้ม

Translation:
Do you always buy them? If so, I’m gonna operate a gecko farm.

A lucrative job like no other

To say Mr. Nonkemphrome’s gecko business is unique would be an understatement. His success story shows how the ex-labourer applied his seven years of experience in Taiwan – yes he also speaks Chinese dialects – and started a lucrative scheme.