This stunning photographic guide covers more than 190 snake species found across peninsular Thailand, including Phuket island and other popular tourist destinations. Each species description contains essential identification information, with a special focus on how to differentiate dangerous snakes from their harmless lookalikes. There is detailed discussion on distribution, with a separate map covering Phuket island, as well as notes on habitat, the likelihood of encountering each species, as well as whether or not the snake is a potential danger to humans.

Illustrated with over 700 photographs, this beautifully designed book also offers:

• an overview of snake biology


• identification plates for less commonly encountered sea snakes


• a chapter on conservation and threats to snakes on Phuket island


• what to do in case of snakebite


• advice on how to deal with a snake near your home and, for those who are less comfortable around these animals, some tips on how to make your garden less attractive to snakes


• a beginner's guide to herping (how to find snakes)


• an exploration of the sorts of environments where snakes live


• fascinating notes and anecdotes from the field.

As well as being suitable for dedicated field herpetologists, this is also a perfect introduction for local residents and visitors with little knowledge of these compelling reptiles.

Ton Smits was born in Holland. His childhood passion for herpetofauna and later wildlife photography took him across the world. In 2009 he moved to Thailand and started Tontan Travel, a wildlife and herping tour business. He has coauthored several scientific publications on Thai snakes, including a new viper species.