Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A 69-year-old man in Nang Rong District, Buriram Province, was injured after a spitting cobra sprayed venom into his eye while he was checking a fish trap on 19 October. Mr. Tee Amtamngam had set the trap in a rice field the previous evening and mistook the contents for a large fish. Upon lifting the trap, venom from the snake hit his left eye, causing immediate pain and irritation.

 

Rescue personnel from the Nong Sano First Aid Unit were called to the scene in Village 5, Nong Sano Subdistrict, where they found Mr. Tee attempting to rinse his face with water to reduce the venom’s effects. The snake, a large spitting cobra, had been killed by Mr. Tee with a hoe before help arrived, so the remains could be taken to the hospital for reference during treatment.

 

Mr. Tee recounted that he had not realised there was a snake in the trap and reacted instinctively when venom hit his eye. After regaining composure, he killed the snake and washed his face thoroughly before calling for medical assistance. The early action of flushing the eye with clean water is considered appropriate first aid for venom sprayed by spitting cobras.

 

Ophthalmologist Dr. Panita Vechapanphet from Nang Rong Hospital explained that initial care for spitting cobra venom in the eye involves repeated rinsing with clean water or drinking water while en route to medical care. The venom typically causes irritation and discomfort to the conjunctiva and prompt washing helps to dilute its effects.

 

The snake responsible was confirmed to be a spitting cobra, which is capable of ejecting venom at a distance. Mr. Tee is currently under medical evaluation and while his advanced age may influence recovery, the injury is expected to cause only mild to moderate effects. Medical staff will continue to monitor and provide treatment as necessary.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 69-year-old man was injured when a spitting cobra sprayed venom into his eye in Buriram.

• The victim followed correct first aid by rinsing his eye with water before calling for help.

• Medical teams are monitoring the effects, which are expected to be mild to moderate.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-10-20

 

 

 

 

 

 

Must have been so scary!

 

Good that he washed his eye immediately.