Terrified pupils panicked as a wild snake slithered through their classroom in Thailand.

Footage shows the youngster screaming and standing on top of their desks while the 4ft-long serpent sped across the floor in Phatthalung province on January 17.

The sixth formers were having a lunch break when the creature suddenly entered through their door from the hallway.

Armed with sticks, two brave classmates pushed the animal outside and closed their door.

Onlooker Sumana Rittiruang said: ‘The cleaner helped remove the snake later when our teacher arrived. We didn't know what to do but we were lucky to have such reliable classmates.'

No one was hurt in the incident and the snake was released into a field away from the school.