A wild cobra sparked panic when it was found curled up inside a family's car engine in Thailand.

The venomous serpent was discovered by homeowner Surinthon Chitsong, 43, who was alerted by her pet dogs' incessant barking in Chonburi province on August 30.

Her blood ran cold upon seeing the deadly creature casually draped across the vehicle's bonnet with its head raised and poised to strike. Fearing the cobra might spit on her, she shrieked and ran to call rescue volunteers to remove the snake from her property.

The specialists rushed to Surinthon's home, but had difficulty pinning down the cobra, which evaded capture by hiding deeper inside the engine compartment.

Footage shows how the angry reptile unfurled its hood before lunging at the rescuers.

The operation reportedly took four hours as parts of the car had to be dismantled to reach the 1m-long snake.

Snake wrangler volunteer San Phetphloi, 23, said cobras are highly venomous and advised people who encounter one to call trained authorities instead of tackling it themselves.

A relieved Surinthon said: 'This might be a good omen. I think I will buy a lottery ticket for the September 1 drawing. Snakes bring good luck, so I hope I will win a big prize.'