Snakes of Phuket

As southern Thailand’s largest island, Phuket features a complex mosaic of dense rainforest remnants, coastal mangroves, and rubber plantations that support an astonishing level of reptilian biodiversity. To date, I have recorded over 60 species of snake on Phuket, ranging from widespread urban survivors to highly specialized primary rainforest dwellers.

Because Phuket attracts millions of travelers, snake safety and accurate identification are paramount. While the island is home to legendary, highly venomous front-fanged elapids—including the Sunda king Cobra (Ophiophagus bungarus), Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia), and Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus)—as well as cryptic ambush predators like the Mangrove Pit Viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus), the vast majority of species encountered here are entirely non-venomous and pose zero threat to humans. This comprehensive photographic archive serves as a field reference to the island’s unique ophidian fauna, including its crowning jewel: the endemic Phuket Pit Viper (Trimeresurus phuketensis), a stunning species found nowhere else on Earth.

While the checklist and image gallery below provides a comprehensive digital archive for the island, a much more exhaustive look at these species is coming in our upcoming book, Snakes of Peninsular Thailand (co-authored with Ton Smits and published by Pelagic Publishing).

Originally, my goal was quite modest: I set out to write a small, localized field guide dedicated exclusively to the snakes of Phuket. However, once Ton Smits brought his immense field expertise and data to the project, the scope evolved into something far more ambitious—a definitive guide covering the entire geographic peninsula. Despite this broader regional focus, Phuket remains a massive cornerstone of the book, including a chapter dedicated to the conservation of snakes on the island. For every species that ranges onto the island, we have included a dedicated, highly localized Phuket distribution map alongside the comprehensive peninsular maps. Whether you are analyzing the island’s unique micro-habitats or tracking down regional specialists, Phuket’s unique herpetofauna features prominently throughout the entire text.

You can pre-order here:

Pelagic publishing (UK). NHBS (UK)

Amazon (International). Asia Books (Thailand)

Field reports from Thailand

Click here

🌿 Coexisting Safely: Understanding Phuket’s ‘dangerous’ snakes

When exploring an island as biodiverse as Phuket, understanding the local snake fauna is the best way to ensure both your safety and the conservation of these vital predators. Out of the 60+ species recorded here, only the front-fanged elapids (such as cobras and kraits) and the cryptic vipers (Viperidae) possess venom that is medically significant to humans. These animals are fundamentally non-aggressive and will always choose flight over fight if given the space.

There are, however, two important exceptions to keep in mind for a safe field experience:

The Red-necked Keelback (Rhabdophis siamensis): While historically categorized as a harmless member of the Colubridae family, this species is now known to possess a highly toxic rear-fanged venom, as well as defensive neck glands that store toxins sequestered from their diet of toads. They are docile but should never be handled.
The Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus): As a non-venomous constrictor, small to medium-sized individuals pose no threat. However, exceptionally large specimens are apex predators capable of immense physical power; while encounters with giant pythons are rare, they deserve a high degree of distance and respect.

By treating every snake encounter with a respectful distance rather than fear, we protect ourselves while allowing these fascinating animals to continue fulfilling their crucial role in Phuket’s tropical ecosystems.

All photos © Matt Wilson (Last update June 2026)