He’s the Top Snake Catcher, and Business Is Booming. There’s Just One Problem.

He’s the Top Snake Catcher, and Business Is Booming. There’s Just One Problem Bangkok’s firefighters are no longer merely battling flames; they are now a living, writhing menace of a new profession. Every night, a squad of the city’s emergency services stalks back alleys, market stalls, and tuk‑tuk lanes, armed with bright nets and a fervent determination to keep the metropolis snake‑free..

Behind this unprecedented shift stands Pinyo Pukpinyo, a former municipal engineer turned snake‑catching guru, whose reputation for humane handling has earned him a cult following among the Thai capital’s residents. Yet, as demand for his services surges, a simple logistical challenge threatens to choke the operation that has become a vital safety net for Bangkok’s beleaguered streets. The city’s snake population has exploded over the past decade..

An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 reptiles now roam Bangkok’s labyrinthine lanes, a figure that has doubled since 2015, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The culprit is easy: the city’s relentless expansion has displaced natural habitats, pushing snakes into human settlements. Coupled with the monsoon‑driven flooding that floods back alleys and drains, the reptiles find abundant shelter and food, turning them into unwelcome, sometimes dangerous, neighbours..

As a result, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has had to redirect an astonishing 14 percent of its firefighting budget toward snake‑control initiatives, a move that has raised eyebrows in Parliament. Enter Pinyo Pukpinyo, a name that has become synonymous with Bangkok’s “silent heroes.” After a career in civil engineering, Pinyo turned to snake handling in 2012, motivated by a personal tragedy: his neighbour’s daughter was bitten by a rat snake while playing in a market courtyard. “I wanted to stop snakes from hurting people,” he says, eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and weariness..

He founded the Pukpinyo Snake Rescue (PSR) organization, which trains firefighters and volunteers in safe capture techniques. Unlike the conventional approach of killing snakes, Pinyo advocates for temporary relocation, believing that reptiles are a natural part of the ecosystem and can be safely re‑introduced into less populated areas. Pinyo’s humane philosophy has resonated with Bangkok’s residents..

Social media is saturated with videos of firefighters gently coaxing a Burmese python into a sturdy, reusable basket, then carrying it to a nearby green space. In a recent campaign dubbed “Snakes Stay Safe,” PSR partnered with the BMA’s “Green Bangkok” initiative to identify suitable relocation sites in the outskirts of the city, such as the Khlong Bang Phai wetlands. The program, which began last year, has successfully relocated more than 3,000 snakes to these safer habitats, according to PSR’s quarterly report..

Yet, the logistics of such an operation remain daunting. The core of the problem lies in the containers themselves. Each snake requires a separate, secure enclosure that can be transported without causing stress or injury..

PSR’s current inventory consists of 200 crates, all of which have been used repeatedly in the past 18 months. “The crates are getting worn out,” Pinyo admits, his voice low. “They’re no longer sturdy, and there are gaps that let the snakes escape.” The wear and tear, combined with the increased demand for snake removal following a recent spike in venomous species sightings, has left PSR short of viable containers..

The organization’s supply chain is simple: crates are bought from a local timber company, then painted with non‑toxic, anti‑reflective paint to avoid startling the reptiles. With only a handful of new crates available each month, the entire operation is at risk of stalling. The ramifications of a container shortage are far from trivial..

Firefighters, trained to perform quick, efficient captures, find themselves forced to improvise. “We have to use improvised nets and sometimes we’re forced to use rubber bags, which are not ideal for snakes,” says Fire Chief Nattapong Chaiyaphun. The improvisation often results in snakes slipping, causing injuries to both animals and rescuers..

Moreover, the lack of adequate containment threatens the safety of the general public. A snake that escapes a makeshift container can quickly find its way into a household, increasing the risk of bites and the spread of venomous species. The BMA has responded by proposing a new budget line to address the crisis..

In a recent meeting, Deputy Mayor for Safety, Prapa Kittichai, announced a potential allocation of 40 million baht to purchase 1,000 new crates and to expand PSR’s training facilities. “We cannot afford to let our citizens live in fear of a creature that can be safely managed,” Kittichai stated, citing the need for a “humanity‑first” approach. The proposal has generated both support and skepticism among elected officials..

Some lawmakers, concerned about the cost, argue that the funds could be better spent on public education campaigns about snake safety. Others, who have witnessed the tragic outcomes of snake bites, see the investment as essential. Beyond funding, there is the issue of public perception..

While many Bangkokers appreciate the humane treatment of snakes, others remain fearful, especially after a recent incident in which a king cobra was found in a downtown apartment complex. “I don’t understand why you’re not killing it,” one resident, Mr. His concern is not entirely misplaced..

In areas where relocation fails or where snakes find a way back into residential zones, the risk of bites persists..