SURAT THANI, Thailand – A giant king cobra more than 4 metres long was found constricting a 1.5-metre python near a resort swimming pool on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province on October 21, astonishing a local snake rescuer with more than a decade of experience.
The incident was reported at around 11am when resort staff in Moo 8, Ban Sri Thanu, Koh Phangan district, contacted rescue workers for help. They feared the two fighting snakes could pose a danger to guests.
Sergeant Nattawut Kanittanan, a civil engineer with the Department of Rural Roads’ Office 11 in Surat Thani and a rescue volunteer with the Kusol Sattha Surat Thani Foundation, responded with Koh Phangan rescue personnel and snake-catching equipment.
Near the resort’s swimming pool, the team found the king cobra tightly constricting the python. Using specialist equipment and taking precautions, they separated the two snakes in about five minutes.
Nattawut said he had been involved in snake rescues for more than 10 years but had never before witnessed a king cobra in the process of hunting another snake. King cobras are highly venomous predators that feed on other snakes.
After separating the animals, rescuers took them away to be released back into the wild.
Authorities reminded the public not to approach or attempt to capture snakes themselves. Anyone who encounters a snake should contact rescue personnel or a trained specialist to ensure everyone’s safety.
