SOENG SANG, THAILAND – A 21-year-old man found dead in a room behind a shop. His family later discovered one of Thailand’s deadliest snakes hiding in the same room.
The victim was found lifeless by the shop owner when he opened up in the morning. CCTV shows the young man last seen at 11pm the night before. Police, doctors and rescuers found no signs of violence.
Deadly snake found after funeral
After the burial, the family and shop owner returned to collect the victim’s belongings. That’s when they spotted a Malayan krait – known in Thai as “Ngu Thap Samingkhla” – in a corner of the room.
No autopsy was ever performed. Relatives now believe the young man was bitten while he slept.
Family refused autopsy
Doctors at Soeng Sang Hospital found foam around the victim’s mouth but no visible wounds or injuries. A medic recommended moving the body to Maharaj Hospital for a full exam – a process that would take about two days.
The family suspected a pre-existing illness and did not want to question the cause of death further. The bureaucratic hassle after an autopsy also put them off. They took the body and released it for religious rites. No formal confirmation of the cause of death exists.
Hardworking and modest employee
The dead man worked at the shop where the room was located. The owner described him as a hardworking and modest young man.
Only after the snake appeared did the pieces come together for the relatives. But certainty remains elusive.
Bite nearly invisible, symptoms telltale
The Malayan krait is among the most dangerous venomous snakes in Thailand. Its neurotoxin can progressively paralyse muscles and, without treatment, lead to respiratory arrest.
Its small fangs often leave only tiny puncture wounds that barely hurt or swell. Typical symptoms include drooping eyelids, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing and foam at the mouth.
Go to hospital immediately after a bite
For people living in rural areas or near green spaces, the case shows how easily a bite can go unnoticed. Any unexplained wound or sudden weakness after possible snake contact must be checked by a doctor right away.
Medics advise staying calm and moving as little as possible to slow the spread of venom. Cutting or using traditional remedies is dangerous. Victims often need at least 24 hours of observation in hospital.