If you have stayed in Thailand for any length of time, you will no doubt, at some point, have seen a snake.
Thailand has an abundance of venomous snakes. Among the neurotoxic family Elapidae, there are three species (cobras), three of the Bungarus (kraits), and the king cobra. Other Elapidae snakes in Thailand include sea snakes and Asian coral snakes of the genus Calliophis.
If you are planning to live in Thailand, you should educate yourself as to the venomous snakes in your area.
Here is a guide to some of the more dangerous snakes that you may come across.
1. Monocled Cobra
The Monocled Cobra is a common snake in Thailand and other parts of Asia. They usually remain on the ground, although they are accomplished swimmers and climbers. They are active both during the day and at night, and they are one of the most dangerous snakes in Thailand. The Monocled Cobra can grow to up to two metres in length, and its venom can be fatal if a serum isn’t taken quickly. Most large hospitals keep supplies of this serum.
2. White-lipped Pit Viper
Over 20 types of Pit Vipers live in Thailand, and it is often quite hard to distinguish them apart. The White-Lipped Pit Viper prefers to live closer to humans and lives on a diet of small mammals, reptiles and birds. They usually grow to around two meters in length and try to avoid humans where possible. However, if they do bite, it can lead to necrosis if the readily available serum isn’t taken.
3. Malayan Pit Viper
The Malayan Pit Viper is more active at night and prefers to spend its time amongst dry leaves, fallen trees or rocks. They grow to approximately one meter in length and are another of the incredibly deadly snakes in Thailand. If they feel threatened, they are known to move quickly and attack humans. The serum needs to be taken promptly after a bite.
4. Oriental Whip Snakes
The Oriental Whip Snake is a snake that you frequently see around Pattaya and can be seen in trees. They are bright green and usually feed on small mammals. Their venom isn’t thought to be dangerous to humans because it needs to be manipulated into muscles for around 15 minutes. Best to be aware of these snakes.
5. Reticulatus Python
The Reticulatus Python is one of the most common snakes in Thailand and is another snake that is more active at night time. If disturbed, they can be aggressive, although the venom in their bite will do little more than cause irritation for most people. They are one of the larger snakes and can grow up to four meters in length, making them more dangerous, especially to younger children or pets.
6.Burmese Python
The Burmese Python prefers to live in more mountainous and country areas where it can hide in the long grass and trees. However, occasionally they can make their way into the cities and are more active at night than in the daytime. They are quite placid in nature, although as they can grow up to seven meters, they can pose a threat to pets and have been known to eat anything up to the size of a German Shepherd.
7. KRAITS
Bungarus is a genus of venomous snakes that are commonly known as kraits. They are native to Asia and are typically found in tropical forests, farmland, and termite mounds. Kraits are medium-sized snakes, usually no longer than 6 ft 7 in, and are part of the cobra family.
Krait bites can cause severe abdominal cramps, progressive paralysis, and death about 4-8 hours after the bite. Krait bites can also cause neurological symptoms, such as ptosis, headache, and sweating.
There are several snake identification groups on Facebook by location that have experts that can help you with any snake identification.