Slithering surprise: Python pops into Pattaya mall, sparking chaos

A bustling Pattaya City mall turned into a scene of chaos when a nearly 3-metre long python made an unexpected appearance. The incident, which occurred yesterday, September 30, at 4pm, saw the Pattaya Land Disaster Prevention Radio Centre receiving a report of a large snake spotted under a car in the mall’s parking lot on Pattaya Klang Road.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a crowd of onlookers, comprising both locals and tourists. The python was first seen coiled around the tyre of a white Nissan sedan. When officers attempted to capture it, the snake became startled, slithering away and seeking refuge under another vehicle, a green Toyota. This sudden movement caused panic among bystanders, who scattered in all directions.

Capturing the python proved challenging as it hid in the engine compartment of the car and refused to come out. Officers resorted to using mosquito repellent to coax the snake out of its hiding spot. After nearly two hours, the python, disoriented by the repellent, finally emerged from the engine compartment. The officers then safely captured the snake and released it back into the wild, reported The Pattaya News.

Mongkol Khanthaphonbamrung, a 63 year old taxi driver, recounted that the python had likely fallen out of a sedan, believed to be a taxi service via an application (Bolt), after they dropped off a customer at the mall. The snake then slithered under the car of another mall visitor, leading to the chaotic scene.

In related news, a football player had an unexpected encounter with a large python at a stadium in Chon Buri, prompting a rescue team to capture the snake and its numerous eggs, which posed a threat to children playing in the area.

The report was received from Sittichai Samrit, head of the Naprao community in Si Racha district, Chon Buri. A sizeable python and its eggs were found at the entrance of a football field in Surasak sub-district.