Rare Arrow-Head Snake Spotted at Khao Phanom Thung

On July 5, 2026, news of the discovery generated considerable interest among tourists and nature enthusiasts after Mongkol Chaiyaphakdee, director of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Phetchaburi Province, released photographs taken by park official Buskorn Gantukkh from the Phanom Thung forest patrol unit. The images documented a rare arrow-head snake (Plagiopholis nuchalis) spotted at the summit of Khao Phanom Thung within the national park, a UNESCO natural world heritage site.

Mongkol noted that park staff and visitors were able to photograph the snake as it quietly foraged in the cool mountain air without displaying any fear of humans, before retreating into the grass. The arrow-head snake, nicknamed the "false cobra" by reptile enthusiasts, has a stout, compact body. When startled, it thrashes vigorously and can puff out a short, narrow hood to threaten predators, mimicking a larger snake.

The arrow-head snake is a small, mildly venomous species (non-dangerous to humans) distinguished by head markings resembling an arrow or V-shape. It inhabits leaf-littered forest floors and humid rocky crevices in dense mountain forests, feeding primarily on small lizards and frogs. Despite its mild venom, its triangular head shape often causes misidentification as a highly venomous species.

Mongkol emphasized that finding such environmentally sensitive endemic reptiles at popular attractions like Khao Phanom Thung demonstrates the success of visitor-limiting measures and forest preservation efforts, allowing wildlife to thrive safely. The park reminds visitors who hike to experience cool winds and sea mist to maintain a safe distance when encountering any wildlife, photograph responsibly, and strictly avoid harming animals to preserve harmony between humans and nature in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.