A sword-wielding Mercedes driver sparked panic after he released live cobras on a busy road in Thailand.

The crazed businessman, identified as 46-year-old Khanotpitnuthep Jakraphopmahadecha, parked his newly-purchased red sports car in the middle of traffic to perform a bizarre ritual outside a mall complex in Bangkok at 5 pm local time on February 1.

Terrified passers-by watched as the shirtless businessman set loose three venomous serpents, scattered marigolds on the bonnet of his luxury car, and doused himself with red soda.

Alarmingly, he tried to wound his neck with the blade before slashing his right arm. His jeans and body stained with red fluid, he then lay on the asphalt and lifted his hands as if in prayer.

Officers cordoned off the area from bystanders while they arrested Khanotpitnuthep, who was taken to the police hospital to have his injuries treated. An animal rescue team meanwhile successfully retrieved the loose cobras.

Police said that Khanotpitnuthep was arrested and will be questioned on suspicion of carrying weapons in public, littering and blocking traffic.

Officers said that the multi-millionaire had performed a similar stunt - where he also threatened to hurt himself - back in April 2019.

A Royal Thai Police spokesman said: 'Doctors will perform psychiatric checks before the suspect is charged as the medical report will affect how we proceed.'