Man dies after filming himself handling cobra
A 28-year-old man from Chiang Rai province died in the early hours of July 3 after being bitten by a live cobra he was seen handling in a self-recorded video at a hotel in Chum Phae District, Khon Kaen Province.
Police from Chum Phae Police Station responded to a report of an unnatural death at a ground-floor room in a local hotel shortly after midnight. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Suprachya Sangratcha, a native of Pa-o Don Chai Subdistrict in Chiang Rai’s Mueang District. He was found lying on a bed, fully clothed, with puncture wounds resembling venomous snake bites on his right upper arm.
Initial examination of the scene showed no signs of forced entry or struggle. The room was locked from the inside, and lights had been left on. Near the door, officers found a white cloth bag tied shut containing a live cobra, which was later confirmed to be the same snake featured in a video discovered on the victim’s damaged mobile phone.
The footage showed Suprachya handling the cobra at dangerously close range. Investigators believe he was bitten while attempting to keep or interact with the snake in the hotel room. A preliminary autopsy was conducted by medical personnel from Chum Phae Hospital to determine the exact cause of death.
Cobras, including species such as the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia), Siamese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis), and golden spitting cobra (Naja samarensis), are native to Thailand and commonly found in both rural and urban areas. Their venom is highly neurotoxic and can be fatal if not treated promptly. In some species, spitting venom can also cause severe eye injury or blindness.
Police Colonel Rakchart Ruengcharoen, the local police chief, confirmed that no foul play is suspected, and the death appears to be the result of direct contact with the snake. Authorities have reminded the public of the significant dangers posed by venomous wildlife and cautioned against attempting to handle such animals.
Thai man dies after filming himself handling cobra - Bangkok Local Info
