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. Some of the smaller snakes eat insect larvae and help to control ant and termite populations in the city.
However, every year several people in Bangkok are bitten by dangerously venomous snakes. For information on what to do if you are bit by a potentially dangerous snake, go to the snakebite page.
Green Snakes
Green camouflage is an adaptation for some snakes that live in bushes and trees. Many people believe that green snakes are dangerous, but in fact only the vipers are (mildly) venomous and they can be distinguished by the shape of their head.
Brown or Black Snakes
Snakes that spend their time near the ground or on large trees tend to be drabber in color. Here are a few snakes who are primarily brown or black without significant markings
Banded Snakes
Many ground and water snakes have brownish bodies marked with various types of bands. Many species vary in the tone and intensity of their colors, so the most important characteristics to pay attention to are the size of their bodies and the shape and distinctness of their bands.
Blotched Snakes
There are a number of brownish Bangkok snakes with various blotches on the body. Most are easy to distinguish by the shape and position of the blotches.
Striped Snakes
A few of Bangkok’s snakes have striped patterns
Worm-like Snakes
These “blind” snakes can be distinguished from worms because they have eyes, a tongue, and hard scales. Their lack of features makes them difficult to identify, and so a scale count is often necessary to tell the species apart.
Hello, last night my family in law (phayao province) panicked about a relatively small brown snake (about 70-80 cm) which they said was venomous. I couldn’t see any specific features as it was almost dark. They call it ngu pao. I’ve been googling it but can’t find anything that matches the description. Any idea what it might be? Thanks, Tom