Panic broke out during a cemetery cleansing ritual in Nakhon Ratchasima after a green pit viper unexpectedly emerged from the skull of an unidentified corpse, leaving participants shocked and scrambling for safety.
The incident took place on April 28, 2026, during the third large-scale charitable event organised by the Suang Neun Sangkhroh Foundation and Sawang Saeng Tham Dhammasathan in Suang Neun District. The programme, which drew a large turnout of volunteers and devotees, aimed to collect unclaimed remains and clean burial grounds while dedicating merit to souls without next of kin.
Chaos erupted when volunteers, who were in the process of cleaning skeletal remains, witnessed a venomous green pit viper slithering out from inside one of the skulls. Those nearby screamed in fear and quickly retreated from the area.
A team of trained snake handlers stationed at the event promptly stepped in to manage the situation. Using proper handling techniques, they safely captured the snake before removing it from the site and releasing it back into the wild. No injuries were reported.
Despite the swift response, the bizarre incident quickly became a talking point among attendees. Many viewed it as an unusual or even supernatural occurrence, given the timing and setting of the ritual.
Some pilgrims went further, interpreting the event as a sign of good fortune. Numbers linked to the incident — including “three”, symbolising the number of cemetery cleansing ceremonies and the single snake — were quickly circulated as potential lucky numbers for upcoming lottery draws, reflecting a mix of belief, superstition and curiosity among those present.
