iarna samp

This is one of the most deadly snakes in Thailand, and is one of the top 5 causes of death by snake envenomation in Thailand. It is an urban myth that any snake causes death within two steps of biting you. It just cannot happen, even if you're allergic to the venom and go into shock. You still could walk for a while.

The banded krait is related to the cobra, it is front fanged and has venom which affects neuron transmission. The venom doesn't cause much localized damage, you may not have much or any necrosis at the bite site, however, the venom causes the body to start shutting down. Muscles like eyelids and facial muscles are affected quickly. The diaphragm and heart, later. Gone untreated, a good bite by this snake will result in death.

Banded kraits are active at night, and their disposition changes - they are on the hunt and more aggressive. They bite rather easily at night. Thais that sleep on the floor of their homes, with doors open, or on the porch or elsewhere a krait could get to them - often roll over onto one - and are bitten. Some don't even know what bit them, and they die because they didn't visit the hospital.

These kraits are more common in the northeast of Thailand, near the rice fields. I have only seen one of these kraits dead on the road, near a rubber tree plantation in Surat Thani.

I know one man that was bitten by a banded krait at a show in Bangkok at a bar. He nearly died, but recovered almost fully after 2 years. The venom is very potent. Don't handle them in the day or night - you never know - is the krait sick or very agitated at the moment? It could bite during the daytime too.

Bungarus fasciatus, Banded Krait.

http://www.goupit.com/baiyoke-sky-hot...

2012 Baiyoke Sky Hotel Run Up in Bangkok, Thailand. This is an annual stair climbing race up 84 floors of the tallest building in Thailand.

I couldn't make the race, but my friend Alfred did - and got these videos that I spliced together for GoUpIt.com.

There are a couple stair climbing races in Bangkok each year, there might be another one in October at the Banyan Tree Hotel - check GoUpIt.com to find out.

Thailand Snakes - http://www.ThailandSnakes.com --
We had a great night herping the other night when Andy came to visit from the states. We found 7 snakes in total, here's one of them - a mangrove cat snake, or banded cat snake, banded mangrove snake - whatever you want to call it. These are nocturnal snakes that get around 2 meters maximum length. They are rear-fanged and venomous, but not deadly - unless, of course, you are allergic to the venom. These snakes do bite often and quickly, handle them carefully if you find one.

Boiga dendrophila - another awesome Thailand snake.