Woman Hospitalised After Cobra Bite as Snake Encounters Rise in Phuket

A woman has been hospitalised after being bitten by a cobra in Phuket as the rainy season drives more snakes into residential areas, prompting renewed warnings from local authorities.

According to local reports, the incident occurred on the evening of June 17 in the Mai Khao area, where a cobra entered the home of an elderly woman and bit her.

The victim's son said he arrived in time to help his mother, killed the snake, and rushed her to hospital. He later shared details of the incident, along with video footage, on social media.

Doctors reported that the woman is now in stable condition and her life is no longer in danger. However, she continues to receive treatment for tissue damage and partial necrosis caused by the snakebite.

A separate incident was also reported in Rawai, where a large king cobra entered the grounds of a residential property on Soi Naya.

The homeowner posted a video of the snake online with the humorous caption: "Should we fry it or boil it? Or is it better to run away?"

He later explained that emergency responders needed about an hour to safely capture the reptile.

The king cobra measured approximately 2.5 metres in length, although the species is capable of growing considerably larger.

With the rainy season now well underway, local authorities have reminded residents that snake sightings become more frequent as rising water forces reptiles from their natural habitats into homes and urban areas.

Earlier this season, Chalong Municipality warned the public to remain vigilant around houses, gardens and storage areas where snakes may seek shelter.

Officials advised residents not to attempt to catch venomous snakes themselves and instead contact trained rescue personnel.

Snake-catching specialists are available through every local office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the Kusoldharm Foundation.

Emergency numbers include:

• 1784 or 199 – Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM)

• 1163 – Kusoldharm Foundation

• 1155 – Tourist Police (English-speaking operators who can redirect calls to the appropriate emergency service)

Residents may also contact the private snake relocation service Snake Guy in Phuket, operated by Vincent, which provides both snake removal and home inspections designed to reduce the risk of future encounters.