Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

In a dramatic encounter in Kamala, Phuket, a security guard ended up in hospital after being bitten by a venomous king cobra. The incident unfolded on 20th August, when the guard courageously captured the large snake with his bare hands, only for the reptile to retaliate, sinking its fangs into his hand.

 

The unnamed guard was promptly taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, where he received urgent treatment for the bite. Although his hand was swollen, reports indicate he is likely to make a complete recovery.

 

The scene was attended by rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, along with Vincent “Vinnie” Modell, a well-known local snake handler famously referred to as the “Snake Guy in Phuket.”

 

The captured cobra, measuring between 3.5 and 4 metres and weighing approximately 5 kilograms, was an impressive specimen. According to Modell, it was one of the largest he has encountered recently. The snake, securely placed in a black bin bag and a plastic tub, was transported to Patong for further assessment.

 

“It was very defensive,” Modell stated. “King cobras usually fake strike first, but this one was highly agitated and attempted more than seven bites during the brief capture.”

 

Modell emphasised the dangers of handling snakes without proper training, advising against such actions due to the inherent risks. “While the guard’s bravery is commendable, catching snakes, especially king cobras, should be left to professionals. It can go wrong very quickly.”

 

King cobras, the world’s longest venomous snakes, are capable of delivering lethal doses of neurotoxin in a single bite. Encounters with these snakes, although rare, do occur in Thailand, particularly during the rainy season when snakes are more active and prone to wander into inhabited areas.

 

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of wildlife encounters. While the guard's swift action perhaps prevented wider harm, the outcome highlights why professional expertise is vital when dealing with such formidable creatures. As the rainy season continues, the public is urged to exercise caution and seek expert help when faced with similar situations.

 

The drama not only captivated local residents but also underscored the delicate balance between human habitats and Thailand’s rich wildlife. As communities expand, the frequency of these encounters is likely to increase, calling for heightened awareness and preparedness.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-21

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The incident unfolded on 20th August, when the guard courageously captured the large snake with his bare hands, only for the reptile to retaliate, sinking its fangs into his hand.

Wait for the professionals to come.

1 minute ago, hotchilli said:

Wait for the professionals to come.

 

   I doubt whether Bodie and Doyle would go all the way to Thailand just to catch a  snake 

3 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Wait for the professionals to come.

Bust out the 12 gage shotgun.

Darwin award goes toooooo!

38 minutes ago, jaywalker-2 said:

Bust out the 12 gage shotgun.

 

Instant solution that prevents any future harms that beast might cause.

...and he's never waived a stick at or hit the snake like his mother does? snakes don't just turn on humans without cause."

I hope the cobra will be safely returned to the wild, but I doubt that will happen.

He should have used something like what I use when snakes come in or near my house.

 

 

I think there's something about snakes that brings out the Neanderthal DIY in all of us. 

 

 

24 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

I hope the cobra will be safely returned to the wild, but I doubt that will happen.

 

What else do you predict, instead?

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

when the guard courageously captured the large snake with his bare hands, only for the reptile to retaliate, sinking its fangs into his hand.

 

Winner of today's FAFO award.

20 minutes ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

What else do you predict, instead?

More likely will finish up on a menu, sad to say.

40 minutes ago, DaddyWarbucks said:

He should have used something like what I use when snakes come in or near my house.

 

 

Sad.

56 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

I hope the cobra will be safely returned to the wild, but I doubt that will happen.

Pro's do it all the time.

5 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

Pro's do it all the time.

Thank you. Good to hear that.

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

I hope the cobra will be safely returned to the wild, but I doubt that will happen.

No, Vinnie does this on a regular basis and will return the snake to the wild. As it should be.

1 hour ago, DaddyWarbucks said:

He should have used something like what I use when snakes come in or near my house.

 

 

You are a real hero....more ignorance is not possible

1 hour ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

Instant solution that prevents any future harms that beast might cause.

The guard ? Judging by his stupidity in this instance I’d say he could cause lots of harm !

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

In a dramatic encounter in Kamala, Phuket, a security guard ended up in hospital after being bitten by a venomous king cobra. The incident unfolded on 20th August, when the guard courageously captured the large snake with his bare hands, only for the reptile to retaliate, sinking its fangs into his hand.

 

The unnamed guard was promptly taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, where he received urgent treatment for the bite. Although his hand was swollen, reports indicate he is likely to make a complete recovery.

 

The scene was attended by rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, along with Vincent “Vinnie” Modell, a well-known local snake handler famously referred to as the “Snake Guy in Phuket.”

 

The captured cobra, measuring between 3.5 and 4 metres and weighing approximately 5 kilograms, was an impressive specimen. According to Modell, it was one of the largest he has encountered recently. The snake, securely placed in a black bin bag and a plastic tub, was transported to Patong for further assessment.

 

“It was very defensive,” Modell stated. “King cobras usually fake strike first, but this one was highly agitated and attempted more than seven bites during the brief capture.”

 

Modell emphasised the dangers of handling snakes without proper training, advising against such actions due to the inherent risks. “While the guard’s bravery is commendable, catching snakes, especially king cobras, should be left to professionals. It can go wrong very quickly.”

 

King cobras, the world’s longest venomous snakes, are capable of delivering lethal doses of neurotoxin in a single bite. Encounters with these snakes, although rare, do occur in Thailand, particularly during the rainy season when snakes are more active and prone to wander into inhabited areas.

 

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of wildlife encounters. While the guard's swift action perhaps prevented wider harm, the outcome highlights why professional expertise is vital when dealing with such formidable creatures. As the rainy season continues, the public is urged to exercise caution and seek expert help when faced with similar situations.

 

The drama not only captivated local residents but also underscored the delicate balance between human habitats and Thailand’s rich wildlife. As communities expand, the frequency of these encounters is likely to increase, calling for heightened awareness and preparedness.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-21

 

Uhhhh....thats a King Kobra and he is damn lucky to be alive as these snakes give you a big dose of poison and you normally would be dead within an hour or so!! Lucky man,,,,,and a bit dumb I guess....😆😆😅

1 hour ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

What else do you predict, instead?

I see some Garlic, Ginger and Soy Sauce and a BBQ grill in the near future for that snake

3 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   I doubt whether Bodie and Doyle would go all the way to Thailand just to catch a  snake 

Maybe considering a retirement home ?

3 hours ago, jaywalker-2 said:

Bust out the 12 gage shotgun.

And spoil the Michelin star presentation.. nah

3 hours ago, stevenl said:

No, Vinnie does this on a regular basis and will return the snake to the wild. As it should be.

Thank you. Good to hear that.

I have caught snakes and moved them to a more suitable area but they have only been tree snakes which apart from the effect similar to a bad cold are not really harmful.

7 hours ago, Formaleins said:

...and he's never waived a stick at or hit the snake like his mother does? snakes don't just turn on humans without cause."

Good one, Man.  Nice way to flip VocalNeal's comment about dogs. 😆

On 8/21/2025 at 10:00 PM, black tabby12345 said:

 

Instant solution that prevents any future harms that beast might cause.

It works quite well in Florida with Diamondbacks & Cottenmouth.

I just saw where a guy in Tennessee  died from a rattlesnake. I guess he was in a remote area?

My daughter was 3 days old & a cobra crawled up to the front door of her grandfather's house (that I built) in Surin. He liked them, as they ate ricefield rats, that ate the rice he was farming...

We had the porchlight on & toads were eating the bugs & the cobra was just after a toad-frog for dinner. Dad just got a long stick & shooed him away.

If not for me there would have been no porch nor lights, nor toads nor snakes.

On 8/21/2025 at 10:03 PM, Formaleins said:

...and he's never waived a stick at or hit the snake like his mother does? snakes don't just turn on humans without cause."

Yes he did exactly that...Just scared it off with a long stick. H e LIKED snakes as they ate the rice field rats. 

I'm not a farmer though. I am former US Army infantry.

Our first instinct is to kill the threat & then eat it when it comes to snakes.

I'm a snake-eater, not a poisiounus snake sympathizer, when it's RIGHT outside a house I built with a 3 day old baby 20 feet away.

I do agree with what my father-in-law did. He would eat the rice field rats (on rare occassion) & leave the snakes alone...just run them back off into the bushes with a stick.

I got no hate for snakes.....Don't like them, but then I like rats & mice even less.