In a remarkable story of survival, Sarayuth Malachan, a 68-year-old security guard in Thailand, woke up to find a reticulated python wrapped around his leg. Faced with a life-or-death situation, Malachan did the unthinkable—he bit the snake back.

The Midnight Encounter:

On August 21, Malachan was jolted awake by a sharp pain in his ankle. To his horror, he found a massive python coiled around his leg, its fangs embedded in his flesh. Reticulated pythons are common in Southeast Asia and are known for their size and strength, often preying on humans and pets.

A Cry for Help:

Desperate, Malachan yelled for assistance, but no one came to his aid. Wrestling with the snake only made it tighten its grip, raising fears that he might lose his leg—or worse.

Turning the Tables:

Running out of options and time, Malachan took a bold step. He bit the snake. This unexpected move caused the python to loosen its hold, allowing Malachan to seize its head and drag it outside. He later filed a police report and believes the snake had entered his home to prey on his pet chickens.

A Word of Caution:

Somchai Siharan, a volunteer at the Raumkatanyu Foundation, warns against attempting to handle wild snakes, especially without experience. “It can be too dangerous, whether it’s venomous or non-venomous,” he said. Malachan was fortunate to have woken up and dealt with the python effectively.

A History of Close Calls:

This isn’t an isolated incident. In 2019, a 75-year-old Thai woman, Kaew Sudsopha, also had a close encounter with a snake while sleeping. She was saved by her son, who was in the next room.

Conclusion:

Sarayuth Malachan’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of wildlife in residential areas. Always be vigilant and take necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe from such threats.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe around snakes:

  • If you live in an area where snakes are common, keep your yard free of debris and vegetation that snakes can hide in.
  • Install motion-sensor lights around your home to deter snakes.
  • Keep your pets indoors at night.
  • If you see a snake, do not attempt to catch it. Call a professional snake handler.