Legendary Thai king cobra performer retires after decades of venomous shows

[snoop1130]

 

A 62 year old man known as the King of King Cobra in Thailand announced his retirement from a 28-year career in snake exhibitions, most notably kissing the venomous cobra, a stunt which won him Guinness World Records. His decision came after his wife expressed her worry for his safety, given the risk of severe neurotoxicity if bitten, especially at his age.

 

Thongkum Chaibuddee’s house, located at 90 Moo 6, Khok Sa-Nga Village in Nam Pong, Khon Kaen province, is the only cobra village in Thailand. For years, he has accumulated various notes, photos and certifications, including two Guinness World Record certificates. Displays Thongkum put on at his house were of him smoothly and safely kissing the serpents, a feat that despite seeming dangerous, never led to a snake escaping onto him.

 

The king cobra performer demonstrated his signature cobra-smooching act numerous times, describing his technique as akin to sucking. It involved him lightly touching or licking the snake’s head. He will keep his five cobra snakes for a while and, if any company approaches him, he will sell them by weighing them at the rate of 1,000 baht (US$29) per kilogram. The snakes weigh between 4 to 5 kilograms, reported Sanook.

 

Thongkum stated that he decided to retire as he felt satisfied with his life. He no longer needed to pay instalments on his car, and after his wife called him while she was at work, expressing her concern, he decided it was time to retire. He also had doctor’s warnings in his thoughts – they state that there’s a high risk of death for individuals over the age of 60 if bitten by a cobra, as the venom could affect various nerve systems.

 

By Samantha Rose

Caption: Picture courtesy of Sanook

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/legendary-thai-king-cobra-performer-retires-after-decades-of-venomous-shows

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-14

 

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[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The king cobra performer demonstrated his signature cobra-smooching act numerous times, describing his technique as akin to sucking. It involved him lightly touching or licking the snake’s head.

No comment.

[NORDO]

I’d like to volunteer my ex as his replacement.

[Yellowtail]

Happy ending, nice! 

 

 

[DILLIGAD]

Why do they need to post his address to the world?

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 7/14/2023 at 5:08 PM, snoop1130 said:

Thongkum Chaibuddee, the King of King Cobra, has retired after kissing venomous cobras for 28 years.

I should retire to after kissing venomous Thai chicks for 28 years. 

Edited July 17, 2023 by SAFETY FIRST