PATTAYA, THAILAND – A roughly two-metre Burma python surfaced off Jomtien Beach and briefly panicked swimmers before rescue teams captured the animal and moved it to a remote natural area.
Python sighting triggered panic in shallow water
The incident occurred in the late morning along the busy stretch of Jomtien Beach in Moo 12, where many people were in the water. According to authorities, tourists playing and relaxing in the shallows first noticed an unusual object at the surface, which then turned out to be a large snake.
Holidaymakers rushed out of the sea
Once it became clear that the animal was a Burma python actively swimming towards the shore, numerous people ran out of the water in panic. A female eyewitness told The Pattaya News that she had been bathing calmly when something suddenly appeared near her.
“At first I just saw something surface while I was relaxing in the water, and only on a second look did I realise that a large snake was heading straight for the beach. The swimmers around me fled the sea in a hurry and immediately alerted the responsible staff.”
said the eyewitness.
Lifeguards and city crews secured the snake
Lifeguards stationed at Jomtien Beach responded to the reports together with municipal emergency crews from the city of Pattaya and went straight to the affected area. Using special capture equipment, the team managed, according to officials, to catch and secure the python in a controlled manner without any further incidents.
Relocated to natural habitat away from residents
After the operation, officials stated that the captured snake was transported to its natural habitat far from populated areas to protect both visitors and the animal. Burma pythons, locally known as “ngu lueam“, are non-venomous constrictors that live in wetlands, forests and canals and can swim well, but are only rarely seen at heavily visited beaches like Jomtien.
Experts explain how pythons reach coastal waters
Experts pointed out that these animals can occasionally reach coastal waters due to flooding, tidal movements or in search of food, meaning encounters at sea are generally possible. Authorities said beach operations had since returned to normal but issued a clear reminder about awareness of wildlife.
Authorities call for vigilance and rapid reporting
Officials urged visitors to remain attentive to wild animals and to report any unusual animal sightings immediately to beach staff or the relevant agencies. They emphasised that prompt reports help ensure the safety of both beachgoers and wildlife in and around Jomtien Beach.