Back to libraryHighly Dangerous
snake
Malayan Krait
Bungarus candidus
Venomous
Description
Slender snake (~1m) with alternating glossy black and white bands. Among the most lethal snakes in Asia.
Habitat
Lowland forests, rice fields, near water. Active at night.
Where Found in Thailand
Central, southern and eastern Thailand. Often enters homes after dark.
Symptoms
- Painless bite
- Drooping eyelids (1–6h)
- Difficulty speaking & swallowing
- Total paralysis
- Respiratory arrest
First Aid — DO
- Treat ALL suspected krait bites as emergencies
- Pressure-immobilization bandage
- Hospital with ventilator IMMEDIATELY
DO NOT
- DO NOT wait for symptoms
- DO NOT sleep on the floor in rural areas — many bites happen at night
When to seek help
Call 1669 — requires antivenom and mechanical ventilation. Mortality is high without ICU care.
Call 1669