A small snake caused panic when it slithered into an air conditioning unit at a beauty salon in Thailand.

The sneaky reptile was spotted by hairdresser Nuch peeking out from the appliance's opening and watching customers inside the shop in Ang Thong province on August 23.

She and terrified clients called the specialists for help to evacuate the snake that was almost 4fft-long.

Concerned neighbors also dropped by the store to help her get rid of the animal. They used a stick to poke it away from the air conditioner.

When the rescuers arrived, the snake had crept out from its hiding place and fallen to the floor. They raced after the creature to scoop it up, but it was too fast and disappeared into the foliage.

Nuch said: ‘First, I only saw the snake's molted skin hanging from the air conditioner, but when I looked closer, I realised it was an actual green snake.

‘Fortunately, it left before it could hurt anyone. I believe it came to my property to bring luck so I will buy a lottery ticket that has my house number.

'I told my customers not to worry. There won't be any snakes here when they come again.'