Yep all reptiles need some form of heat to thermoregulate, even if its a subtle temperature difference. Some keepers will withhold heating geckos, which means many keep them in a warm, temperature controlled reptile room. Some people are misinformed and believe that you can keep geckos in stone cold vivariums and its all ok. This isn't intelligent husbandry. Given the opportunity and choice, geckos will be observed moving between warm and cool spots in captivity. My Knob Tailed Geckos do just this, seeking out and lying on their small heat mat then back to their hide box even during the day.
Thick Tailed Geckos are simple to keep, but won't tolerate getting too hot. They are easily heat stressed and can dehydrate and die in a hot cage. Thermostats will assist keeping them the right temperature. Look up 'Keeping and Breeding Australian Lizards' Edited by Mike Swan. There is plenty of the right information in this reference material.