Ophiology for Khao Yai Locals

Everyone knows how dangerous snake venom can be. Coupled with their eerie appearance, snakes often trigger fear and revulsion. Many people react by killing them on sight—even when the snake isn’t venomous.

Yet snakes and humans continue to share the same space. And because snakes play a vital role in the ecosystem, only knowledge and understanding can make peaceful coexistence possible.

Today, the Asorapitwittaya Club (Ophiology Club), founded by reptile expert Nick Anirut Chomngam, is at the forefront of addressing this issue. With years of experience living alongside snakes, the club’s mission is to reduce human-snake conflict through education, understanding, and safe, respectful interaction.

Khao Yai is home to a dense snake population. Recognizing the importance of safe coexistence, the Khao Yai Tourism Association partnered with Trekking Thailand Tour and Nick Wildlife to organize a dedicated training program—the “Snake Workshop”—led by snake experts. The goal is to equip locals with practical knowledge on how to safely handle encounters with snakes.

Snakes are reptiles found across the world, with over 3,000 known species. Around 2,400 of these are non-venomous. Of the remaining 600 venomous types, only about 250 species pose a lethal threat to humans—just 7% of all snakes. In Thailand, roughly 200 species exist, with 7 considered dangerously venomous: the cobra, king cobra, banded krait, Malayan krait, Russell’s viper, Malayan pit viper, and green pit viper.

By nature, snakes use their venom mainly for hunting and self-defense. Most avoid humans when possible. Bites usually happen only when snakes are provoked, threatened, or accidentally disturbed.

Ms. Tae—Panchana Watanasathien, President of the Khao Yai Tourism Association and organizer of the event—shared that this was the seventh ophiology workshop held in Khao Yai. Her aim is to provide local residents—who live within one of the world’s rare triple-designated heritage areas—with valuable knowledge and new experiences. She hopes people will come to see snakes not as threats, but as vital contributors to biodiversity, ecosystems, and even tourism. Snake-watching tours are now growing in popularity, with some running from 5 AM until midnight. This training also helps locals and resort staff respond more effectively when snakes appear in living spaces, building understanding and confidence. She believes this kind of learning can strengthen awareness of ecological balance—an essential part of what makes Khao Yai a world heritage site to be proud of.

The current Snake Workshop focuses on foundational knowledge for the general public. It’s not a hands-on ophiology training, but rather a course on how to stay safe when encountering snakes in real life.

One member of the Asorapitwittaya Club (Ophiology Club) noted that this year has seen more snake activity in Khao Yai than usual, especially from late May through June. While the team has several trained handlers, high demand can still overwhelm them—making personal safety and preparedness crucial while waiting for professional assistance.

The morning session of the workshop began with helping participants overcome their fear of snakes. Instructors introduced a harmless species—the sunbeam snake—for attendees to gently touch with the backs of their hands. Once they felt more comfortable, they were invited to use their palms. During the activity, trainers explained that the sunbeam snake shimmers with an iridescent sheen when exposed to light. Though non-venomous, it feeds on venomous snake hatchlings, playing an important role in maintaining ecological balance.

Next, participants learned about physical characteristics of snakes—specifically their scales, which fall into three main types: smooth, keeled, and keeled with tubercles. These scales serve to protect the snake’s body and improve grip and traction.

Smooth-scaled snakes are generally common. Keeled scales, like those found on the Russell’s viper, belong to ancient species with folding fangs and potent hemotoxic venom. Even experienced handlers are cautious around them, as they can strike quickly and erratically when threatened. They’re typically found in areas like Ta Phraya District in Sa Kaeo and Lam Narai District—regions with sandy, loamy soil and pineapple or sugarcane farms. Meanwhile, snakes with tubercle-patterned scales, such as elephant trunk snakes and other aquatic species, use their textured skin to catch slippery prey like fish.

Snakes don’t have external ears—only inner ears—so there’s no need to whisper when you see one. You can speak normally. Their forked tongues are used to detect scent particles in the air, helping them identify whether something nearby is prey or a threat. Snakes have a visual field of about 45 degrees on each side. Some species, like cobras, have poor eyesight; they may not even notice a hand placed directly in front of their face. However, they can see clearly within their striking range—about one foot. Snakes perceive objects in blurry shapes, and they generally don’t hunt upright animals. Instead, they prefer prey that moves close to the ground, such as dogs, cats, or chickens.

There are 7 venomous snake species in Thailand that are particularly important to recognize.

1. King Cobra

The king cobra’s venom primarily affects the nervous system. There are four known subspecies, with two found in Thailand:

• Northern King Cobra: Recognized by its white crossbands bordered by dark stripes. It is found from Phetchaburi Province northward and does not occur in the southern region.
• Bongla (Southern King Cobra): Native to southern Thailand, this is the largest king cobra subspecies. Adult males average around 4 meters in length. Its white bands are thinner and more closely spaced than those of the northern variant.

The other two subspecies are:

• Western Indian King Cobra, found only in western India, which has similar features to the northern type but with fewer white stripes.
• Luzon King Cobra, a newly identified subspecies found in the Luzon Islands of the Philippines. It closely resembles the Bongla in adulthood.

A king cobra bite can cause intense pain, swelling, and potentially severe tissue damage. Extreme caution is required, as this species is highly dangerous.

2. Cobra

Cobra venom primarily affects the nervous system. In Thailand, there are three main types:

• Siamese Spitting Cobra: Found across most parts of the country except the South. It comes in brown, black, or mottled color forms. A key identifier is the U- or V-shaped marking on the hood.
• Sumatran Spitting Cobra: Found only in southern Thailand. It appears in two main color variants—golden yellow and black. Unlike the Siamese type, it has no “asterisk” pattern on its hood, only skin folds at the neck.
• Thai Cobra: Comes in a wide variety of colors. The hood often displays an asterisk-like marking, which varies in shape. If the mark resembles the letter “O,” it usually indicates a non-spitting cobra. One rare variant is the Suphan Cobra, with a pale white hue. Thai cobras are generally classified as non-spitting, though some individuals have shown spitting behavior. However, their venom spray is less potent than that of true spitting cobras—but they should never be underestimated.

3. Banded Krait

The banded krait’s venom primarily affects the nervous system. It is one of the venomous snakes commonly seen during the rainy season, especially near streams and rice paddies. In the past, it was locally referred to as "ngoo thap-thang-lueang" (the yellow variant of the Malayan krait).

This species is known for following lights at night—likely drawn by the movement of frogs and toads, which are its prey. Its appearance is unmistakable: alternating black and yellow bands, puffed cheeks, and a short tail. This is the only color form found in Thailand.

4. Malayan Krait

The Malayan krait’s venom primarily affects the nervous system. It features alternating black and white bands, though some individuals may have dark specks on the white scales. In some mature specimens, the white bands may appear pale yellow. The belly is white, and unlike the banded krait, the black stripes do not extend across the underside.

A distinctive feature is the enlarged hexagonal scales running along the midline of the back. Malayan kraits are found throughout all regions of Thailand. They are nocturnal hunters, often active near water sources, feeding on other snakes, frogs, and toads.

5. Russell’s Viper

Russell’s viper venom primarily targets the blood system. It has a stout, short body with a light brown base color, marked by dark brown oval or circular patterns outlined with white. The scales are keeled, with a raised ridge along the center. Its belly is off-white to grayish, scattered with small dark speckles.

When threatened, it may flee quickly. If escape seems impossible, it coils into a tight ball and hisses—sounding much like air escaping from a tire. This highly venomous species is common in central and eastern Thailand. It lives close to the ground in low vegetation and feeds on a wide range of animals, including birds, small mammals, and amphibians like frogs.

6. Malayan Pit Viper

The Malayan pit viper’s venom primarily affects the blood system. It has a distinct triangular-shaped head with a narrow neck, and the back of the head flares outward. The snout is pointed, giving it an arrowhead-like appearance. Its stocky body is brown, blending well with the earth, and its back features a series of triangular markings with points facing inward.

This species possesses heat-sensing pits—called pit organs—located between the eyes and nostrils. Malayan pit vipers are found across all regions of Thailand, but are especially common in the South and East. They are ground-dwellers, often coiled up in dry leaves during the day, and hunt a variety of prey including rodents, birds, frogs, and toads.

When threatened, they will vibrate their tails against dry leaves to produce a rustling sound—serving as a warning to keep intruders away.

7. White-lipped Pit Viper

This species’ venom primarily affects the blood system. The white-lipped pit viper has a distinctive triangular head with a narrow neck and a compact body. The top of the head is dark green, while the lower jaw and neck area are pale green or yellowish.

Its body is typically a vivid green, though some individuals may exhibit color variations, such as bluish tones or even albinism—with bright yellow bodies and red eyes. The underside may appear green, yellow, or whitish, while the tail ends in a reddish-brown tip.

This snake is found in all regions of Thailand. It is nocturnal and ambushes its prey from low branches. Its diet includes amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals such as rodents.

If bitten by a snake, proper first aid is essential—it can lead to faster, more accurate, and more effective medical treatment.

Basic First Aid Steps:

1. Stay calm and do not panic.
2. Rinse the wound gently with clean water.
3. Use an elastic bandage to wrap the affected area firmly—but not too tightly—then splint the limb with two sticks and wrap it again. This helps minimize movement and slows the spread of venom. Get to the hospital as quickly as possible.

If proper materials aren't available and the hospital is within 10 kilometers, simply rinse the wound with clean water and seek medical attention immediately.

If bitten, one crucial step is to photograph the snake—clearly and in full. Try to capture the head and any distinctive markings. This helps medical personnel identify the species and provide appropriate treatment.

In cases where venom is sprayed into the eyes—especially by a spitting cobra—rinse the eyes immediately with saline solution. Lie on your side and pour the saline from the upper side so it flows through the affected eye. If both eyes are affected, choose one side and flush thoroughly. Then, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

For non-venomous snakes with strong jaws and saw-like teeth—such as pythons and boa constrictors—extreme caution is still needed. These snakes have flexible jaws that allow them to swallow prey up to 10 times their own head size. If bitten and the snake won’t release, hold its neck tightly to prevent further constriction. Use your arm to shield your neck from being squeezed. Then have someone pour alcohol or anything containing alcohol around the snake’s mouth. Once it loosens its grip, work from the tail end to unwind it from your body.

Handling large pythons or boa constrictors requires skill and teamwork. A three-person team is ideal: one person uses a stick to distract the snake from the front, another secures the tail, and the third holds a noose. Once the snake is still, the noose is looped around its neck—about one hand span behind the head—and tightened securely. When the handler is confident that the snake is restrained, the person at the front presses down gently on the crown of the head and grips the neck firmly. The noose is then removed from the tail. One person holds the head, another holds the tail, and together they lift the snake in a U-shape. The third person opens a drawstring sack. Lower the snake into the bag tail-first. Make sure the person holding the head has no part of their hand inside the sack, then release the head and quickly close the drawstring.

If you unexpectedly encounter a king cobra or a cobra, the best response is to stay completely still. The snake will likely lower its hood and slither away. If it doesn't, slowly back away in a straight line. Once you’re out of striking range, leave the area quickly.

For small venomous snakes, it’s possible to handle the situation safely using common household tools such as a dustpan, broom, and a tall bucket. The method is simple: use the broom to gently press and guide the snake onto the dustpan—keeping the broom lightly pinned on top to prevent escape. Then, tip the snake into a tall bucket. You can either release it yourself in a safe area or call the local rescue team for assistance.

Another method involves using a plastic bottle. Hold the base of the bottle and place the opening near the snake’s head. Use a snake hook—or any tool capable of applying light, steady pressure—to pin down the midsection of the snake. Be careful not to press too hard, or it will thrash and escape. For juvenile cobras, you must act quickly before they spread their hood. If the snake hesitates, tilt the bottle at a 45-degree angle and gently nudge its tail to encourage it inside. Once it’s fully inside, slowly cap the bottle while keeping it firmly on the ground.

Mr. Beer—Varun Jinosang, 43, one of the workshop instructors, advisor to the Northeastern Asorapitwittaya Club (Ophiology Club), and chairman of Trekking Thailand Tour—shared that the purpose of this training is to equip people with practical know-how. “In some urgent situations, waiting for professionals just isn’t an option. We want participants to know what steps they can safely take first,” he explained.

He added that snake encounters vary by season. In the Khao Yai area, the most common cases involve king cobras, pythons, and boa constrictors, though smaller snakes are frequently seen as well. Most people don’t know how to handle these situations and typically call rescue teams. But sometimes, the team arrives too late—by then, the snake has left the property and may end up in someone else’s home, causing ongoing problems. That’s why he hopes this workshop empowers locals to take safe, immediate action before professional help arrives.

“The first step when encountering a snake is to identify its type,” Mr. Beer explained. “Once you know whether it’s venomous or not, you can plan how to proceed. The approach will differ depending on the species. But ultimately, the rule is simple: if you can safely cover the head and mouth, the situation is under control. Letting the snake open its mouth, however, poses serious danger.”

He added that releasing captured snakes back into nature helps maintain ecological balance. Killing them disrupts the food chain. For example, if we kill a species like the pipekiew (mock viper), venomous snakes may become more common—because pipekiew feed on eggs. Likewise, the sunbeam snake, often misunderstood due to a false belief that its bite is fatal before sunrise, is actually non-venomous and plays a crucial role by eating venomous snake hatchlings. These snakes are vital allies in maintaining natural balance.

“Our goal is to help people coexist with snakes through accurate knowledge and understanding,” Mr. Beer emphasized. “In the future, we may see more snakes venturing into human spaces as natural habitats continue to disappear. In Bangkok, for instance, we’re seeing a surge in pythons and boas because their territory has been severely restricted. Do these snakes have natural predators? In a healthy ecosystem, smaller snakes are kept in check by other snake-eating species, and larger ones—like pythons—are controlled by king cobras. But Bangkok has no king cobras, which allows the python population to grow unchecked.”

He added that the Asorapitwittaya Club (Ophiology Club) hopes to expand its volunteer network. “Right now, we simply don’t have enough people. If we can establish regional teams across the country, it would lighten the load on our core members. For example, I oversee the northeastern region, and we currently have trained volunteers in only seven provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Khon Kaen, Surin, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. My dream is to eventually have trained volunteers in every province.”

After all, humans aren’t the only living beings on this planet. Countless other creatures help sustain the balance that keeps the world going. That’s why knowledge and understanding are so essential—so we can share space peacefully. Perhaps the best way forward is simple: to live and let live, without harm or interference.

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