A CROCODILE named Liddar is being held at Kathu Police Station after a tourist complained about the wild animal being on display in Patong.

''Never smile at or even with a crocodile'' may be the new mottor for the man from Nakorn Sri Tammarat who was arrested when police moved in on the pair on Tuesday night.

The pair were operating outside the Bel Aire Resort in Soi Rong Yim Road, near the Sai Nam Yen school.

Adisak Rakhanam, 26, appears to have not been aware that many tourists are actually appalled at the use of animals by touts in Patong.

Most often, the touts carry iguanas on their shoulders. But Liddar the croc is one-and-a-half metres long, a little large for one shoulder.

So the tourist made a telephone call to the police station, and an arrest followed.

It is believed some of the owners of the iguanas, and others who care for captive sea eagles, were granted dispensation to carry on when a new law came in several years ago prohibiting displays of wild animals.

Patong Police Chief Colonel Grissak Songmoonnark said he did not agree with the practice of touts with animals.

Liddar, a female, has not been fed since Tuesday. Police were expecting Khun Adisak to return, and were planning to buy a chicken or two this afternoon if he does not arrive.

Liddar will be released, but probably not in a nearby Patong klong. Police expect Fisheries Department officials will come shortly to take Liddar away for release.