Volunteer Civil Defence Officer Critically Injured After Being Strangled by Python

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictured courtesy of CH7

 

A 68-year-old volunteer civil defence officer in Bangkok is in critical condition after being strangled by a four-metre-long python while attempting to capture it. The snake had entered a residential home and killed a pet cat before the officer tried to intervene. 

 

The incident occurred in Phasi Charoen district when Charan Mabkhunthot, a seasoned volunteer with the Civil Defence Division (Or Por Por Ror), responded to a call from a resident who discovered the massive snake in their home. The homeowner, fearing for their safety, remained on the upper floor and provided a flashlight to assist Charan in catching the snake.

 

 

Believing he had the situation under control, Charan grabbed the snake’s head with one hand and its tail with the other. However, the python unexpectedly coiled its powerful body around his neck, tightening its grip. Witnesses saw him staggering before realising he was in distress.

 

The homeowner rushed down to help but was unable to loosen the snake’s grip. After a brief struggle, the python suddenly released Charan and slithered away. However, by that time, Charan had already collapsed, his face turning blue, and his heart had stopped beating.

 

Emergency responders from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation arrived and performed CPR before rushing him to Siriraj Hospital, where he was placed in intensive care, where he remains unconscious. Officials from Phasi Charoen District Office are discussing possible support measures for his recovery.

 

The Bangkok Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) confirmed that trained personnel are usually well-prepared for snake-catching operations. However, in this case, the python’s sheer strength may have overpowered the officer, leading to the near-fatal incident.

 

Authorities have reminded the public to seek professional help when dealing with large snakes and to exercise extreme caution, even if handling them appears straightforward.

 

-- 2025-04-03

 

[Stevemercer]

I hope the brave man recovers, but his brain may have been without oxygen for too long. I guess the lesson is to always have 2 or 3 people when tacking a big python like that.

[Bill97]

4 minutes ago, Stevemercer said:

I hope the brave man recovers, but his brain may have been without oxygen for too long. I guess the lesson is to always have 2 or 3 people when tacking a big python like that.

2 is not enough 

 

1 wrapped up 

1 more can not unwrap alone

[Snackbar]

Darwinian RIP 

[RayOday]

A 4 meter python in BKK? What's it been eating?

[pacovl46]

1 hour ago, Bill97 said:

2 is not enough 

 

1 wrapped up 

1 more can not unwrap alone

Two are definitely enough. You just have to uncoil the snake starting with its tail! That’s paramount! 

[pacovl46]

Always uncoil a constrictor starting with its tail! 

[Purdey]

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities have reminded the public to seek professional help when dealing with large snakes and to exercise extreme caution, even if handling them appears straightforward.

What was he to do? Call for help?

Perhaps someone can post instructions on how to remove a python necktie.

Everything I read says silly things like carry a knife at all times, which the police may object to, or carry rubbing alcohol or vinegar everywhere you go to spray on its face.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, RayOday said:

A 4 meter python in BKK? What's it been eating?

Anything it wants

[PopGun]

43 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Anything it wants

Correct!

Rats, Cats, Dogs, Birds, Lizard's, Monkeys, maybe even a baby or two. 🤷

[Freddy42OZ]

3 hours ago, RayOday said:

A 4 meter python in BKK? What's it been eating?

 

Rats, cats, soi dogs (although the latter is unlikely).   

I had a 1 meter Burmese Rock Python about 25 years ago.  He was happy with a few young rats per month or if I couldn't get those I would just buy hamsters, guinea pigs, baby rabbits. 
He wasn't fussy as long as they were alive.

[nahkit]

15 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The homeowner rushed down to help but was unable to loosen the snake’s grip.

Presumably chopping its head off with a knife was out of the question?

[cowellandrew]

I like the fact its got away so its still out there!

🤔🤔🤔🤔