Yes, it is possible to see snakes in Bangkok, as the city has a thriving population of reptiles, including large reticulated pythons, that adapt to urban environments. While sightings are relatively rare for most tourists, snakes are known to hide in, gardens, or near water, with thousands of incidents reported annually to the fire department.
Statistics show that the reticulated python is the most frequently encountered species in Bangkok, accounting for 70 percent of all snakes. The Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department receives about 150 emergency calls a day asking for help to catch invading snakes during the rainy season.
Thailand has amazing attractions, from vibrant cities to tranquil countryside. While the country is home to a diverse range of snake species, the average tourist has a low chance of encountering a dangerous one.
It is not uncommon for there to be snakes in single-family homes in Thailand, and these snakes can be very dangerous. There have been many reports of people being bitten by snakes in Thailand, and some of these bites have been fatal.
Distribution: Throughout Thailand, but predominantly in the lowland areas. Behaviour: A snake which is active during the day, is very fast and which usually flees from humans before they get too close.
Sea snakes favor warm, shallow waters, typically under 100 feet, though some dive deeper. In Thailand, you'll find them in coral reefs, mangroves, and rocky shores across the Andaman Sea, Similan Islands, and Gulf of Thailand. Some species, like sea kraits, even venture into rivers up to 160 kilometers inland.
To date only a handful of people have ever been bitten by this species, and all have survived due to the quick application of correct first aid and hospital treatment.
In Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian district is a shrine to the king cobra by the Rama II Road that was built after the nest and young of a large king cobra was destroyed during the construction of the road; the overgrown area behind the shrine is still thought to harbour several large king cobras.
Thailand has lifeguards on duty at designated beaches and operates a flag system for safe swimming. Follow all warning signs, especially red flags. See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. Jellyfish can swim close to the shore, particularly during the rainy season from May to October.
If you are very close to a snake - and especially if the snake is obviously agitated and adopting a defensive posture (striking position) - it is best to 'freeze' and stand very still until the snake has stopped posturing and has moved off.
While such encounters are rare, urban snake sightings are not unheard of in Bangkok and other Thai cities. Most homes are connected to public drainage systems, which snakes often enter in search of water and shelter. From there, they can slither through waste pipes and end up in residential toilets.
🇹🇠Deep-fried scorpions—often found on Bangkok's lively Khao San Road—are a crispy, salty novelty mostly aimed at tourists, though some regions in Northern and Northeastern Thailand enjoy insects as a protein-rich delicacy. Many describe the taste as a crunchy mix of crab and shrimp, or even like a crispy french fry.
Our only snake was in Krabi at a resort in Railay. It was a green tree snake that went across our path near our room. Thailand definitely has snakes, but like snakes elsewhere they tend to avoid humans.
Jelly fish season in Hua Hin runs from June to October and the nasty stingers are especially prevalent after rainfall. Take care entering the water, carry vinegar to treat stings, and make full use of your hotel's pool if you need to.
Snakes are the most feared animal in the city, but only a few can hurt humans and all of them prefer to avoid people. In fact, snakes are a beneficial part of Thailand's ecosystem. Many of Bangkok's snakes feed on mice and rats, helping control those rodent populations and reducing crop loss and the spread of disease.
What are the chances of seeing a snake in Thailand?
The chances of seeing a snake close up are very low unless you're in the right place ant the right time. And even though some of Thailand's deadliest snakes live on the island, the possibility of being bitten by one is very slim – it's not something that's going to happen.
Sometimes venom injection from the bite may occur. This may result in redness, swelling, and severe pain at the area, which may take up to an hour to appear. Vomiting, blurred vision, tingling of the limbs, and sweating may result.
Has anyone survived a taipan bite without antivenom?
A more recent victim was his friend John Robinson, bitten while cleaning an inland taipan's cage at his reptile display on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. He weathered the bite without antivenom, but sustained considerable muscle damage, as well as heart damage.
The blood of a US man who deliberately injected himself with snake venom for nearly two decades has led to an "unparalleled" antivenom, say scientists. Antibodies found in Tim Friede's blood have been shown to protect against fatal doses from a wide range of species in animal tests.
