Pictures courtesy of Naewna

A 62-year-old Buddhist monk narrowly survived after being bitten and strangled by a python inside a temple in Phra Pradaeng district, Samut Prakan province, on Friday morning, 16 January 2026. The monk lost consciousness from blood loss and constriction before fellow monks, temple followers and rescue workers intervened and he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.

The incident occurred at about 7.35am at Wat Mok, in Talat subdistrict, when the Prakan Rescue Medical Radio Centre (1669) received an emergency call reporting a monk being attacked by a large python. Rescue teams from Phra Pradaeng Municipality and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were dispatched to the scene to provide urgent assistance.

At the site, in front of the abbot’s residence, rescuers found Phra Withi Khamwilai, aged 62, in a weakened condition. He had been attacked by a python approximately two and a half metres long and weighing about 15 kilograms, which bit deeply into his right wrist, causing a severe wound exposing bone. The snake also coiled tightly around his neck and torso, causing him to collapse before it was finally removed.

Witnesses explained that the monk lived in a rear kuti surrounded by dense trees. Earlier that morning, he noticed the python near the wall of his residence and attempted to catch it, but was bitten and constricted during the struggle. Despite heavy bleeding, he managed to stagger towards the abbot’s quarters to seek help before losing consciousness.

Mr Prasit Jumangmor, 71, who was present at the scene, said the monk approached him asking for help and saying he had been bitten by a snake. He saw the python wrapped around the monk’s arm and body, with its tail coiled around his neck, while the monk was gripping the snake’s head with his left hand. Shortly afterwards, the monk sat down, collapsed onto his back and lost consciousness in front of him.

Phra Withi later in hospital said he had been cleaning the area when a layperson alerted him to the presence of the snake and expressed fear. He attempted to catch it by gripping the middle of its body rather than the head, allowing the python to bite and constrict him. He reported dizziness and believed significant blood loss and strangulation caused his collapse.

Naewna repotted that rescue workers provided first aid, controlled the bleeding and transported the monk to Bang Chak Hospital. Authorities said he was able to give a statement, while further monitoring and treatment were continuing.

Key Takeaways

• A 62-year-old monk was injured by a python at Wat Mok on 16 January 2026.

• The snake bit his wrist and constricted his neck, causing loss of consciousness from blood loss and strangulation.

• Prompt assistance by monks, civilians and rescue teams prevented a fatal outcome.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Naewna 2026-01-17

 

 

Sorry but these deadly creatures need to be tackled and not allowed to slither around all over. Tourists will stop comming to Thailand as more and more people are afraid of these snake encounters even in the cities.

We frquently have garden snakes, mostly vipers. They're just tourists, moving through. We've had six sneak into the house over 30 years and have gotten pretty good at trapping them and calling rescue. NEVER kill a snake. Bad luck will follow you!

I think if he'd left it alone and not tried to 'catch it' the snake would have left him alone.

2 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

We frquently have garden snakes, mostly vipers. They're just tourists, moving through. We've had six sneak into the house over 30 years and have gotten pretty good at trapping them and calling rescue. NEVER kill a snake. Bad luck will follow you!

Snakes eat rats, rats dont eat my food……..good compromise, you are welcome, stay as long as you wish, eat as many rats as you like, I’ll leave you alone.

15 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Python Attacks 62-Year-Old Monk

Not exactly.

15 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Earlier that morning, he noticed the python near the wall of his residence and attempted to catch it,

Headline should be "Monk Attacks Python, Finds Out"

When I read the headline I was surprised as pythons would not generally attack prey the size of a human. And then on further reading,

On 1/17/2026 at 5:59 AM, Georgealbert said:

he noticed the python near the wall of his residence and attempted to catch it

On 1/17/2026 at 5:59 AM, Georgealbert said:

He attempted to catch it by gripping the middle of its body rather than the head, allowing the python to bite and constrict him.

We've only had one python. It crushed a cat and went away.

If only they ate mosquitoes and cockroaches. No rats!

23 hours ago, Sigmund said:

Sorry but these deadly creatures need to be tackled and not allowed to slither around all over. Tourists will stop comming to Thailand as more and more people are afraid of these snake encounters even in the cities.

As an Australian I find your comment laughable. As for "tackling" snakes this of course is something you shouldn't do. Leave it to the experts.

FAFO

Like Grizzly Man you don't go poking your head into business you know nothing about.

On 1/17/2026 at 5:59 AM, Georgealbert said:

He attempted to catch it by gripping the middle of its body rather than the head,

How many people can successfully capture a python with their bare hands?