KAMPHAENG PHET– Late last night on April 21, 2026, a quiet evening turned into a heart-stopping ordeal for a family in the Khlong Lan District. Local rescue teams were called into action after a massive King Cobra, measuring over 10 feet long, decided to make itself at home inside a private residence.
The incident occurred at house number 88, Village No. 21, in the Khlong Lan Phatthana sub-district. The homeowners, Ms. Suntaraporn Phulsawat, 47, and Mr. Pasakorn Mongkhunthod, 54, were left shaken after the venomous intruder was discovered hiding within their living space.
The drama began at the back of the house. According to Ms. Suntaraporn, her son was the first to spot the reptile. What he initially saw was a large shadow moving quickly from the backyard toward the main structure.
“My son saw it first,” Ms. Suntaraporn told local reporters. “As soon as the snake noticed people, it seemed to panic. It scrambled to find a hiding spot and eventually disappeared somewhere inside the house. We couldn’t find where it went, which made it even scarier.”
Terrified that the snake might strike someone in the dark, the family immediately contacted emergency services. They reached out to the Sawang Kamphaeng Phet Rescue Foundation (Khlong Lan and Pang Sila Thong points), who coordinated with the Khlong Lan Phatthana Municipal Emergency Medical Service to handle the situation.
Experts’ Capture of the King Cobra
Upon arrival, the specialized “snake-catching” unit began a methodical search of the premises. It didn’t take long for them to locate the culprit: a healthy, male King Cobra.
The scale of the capture was impressive and frightening:
- Species:King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
- Gender:Male
- Length:Approximately 3.10 meters (over 10 feet)
- Location:Tucked away inside the residential area of the home
Capturing a King Cobra is no easy feat. These snakes are known for their intelligence and highly potent neurotoxic venom. The rescue team had to use specialized poles and protective gear, moving with extreme caution to ensure neither the residents nor the animals were harmed. After a tense few minutes, the team successfully secured the cobra in a reinforced bag.
Following the successful capture, rescue officials issued a stern warning to the public. As summer heat intensifies and the rainy season approaches in some regions, reptiles often seek shelter or water near human settlements.
Safety Tips for Residents:
- Do Not DIY:Never attempt to catch or kill a large snake yourself. Even “small” snakes can be highly venomous.
- Identify Carefully:Experts warned that many people mistake the tail of a King Cobra for a harmless rat snake (Ptyas mucosa). Such a mistake can be fatal.
- Call for Help:If you see a reptile, keep a safe distance, monitor its location if possible, and call local experts like the Sawang Kamphaeng Phet Rescue Foundation .
- Clear the Area:Keep the area around your home free of tall grass and piles of wood where snakes like to hide.
The rescue team confirmed that the King Cobra was in good health. It has since been transported far away from residential zones and released back into its natural forest habitat to maintain the local ecological balance.
For Ms. Suntaraporn and her family, the night is one they won’t soon forget. “I still have goosebumps,” she admitted while watching the rescuers drive away. “I never imagined such a giant snake would be hiding in my own house.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human expansion and wildlife habitats in rural Thailand. For now, the residents of Khlong Lan Phatthana can sleep a little easier knowing this 3-meter king has returned to the jungle.
