American soldiers held snakes at the annual Cobra Gold military training exercises in Thailand.

Footage shows the troops gingerly passing around the serpent as part of the jungle survival worksop at the Royal Thai Marine Corps in Chonburi province on February 24.

Both Thai and American soldiers learned about the different species of snakes, their behaviour, and how to handle the reptiles without using tools.

They were also taught how to administer first aid in case of snake bites.

Finally, the troops were given exotic food - including snakes - to try.

The Cobra Gold training was launched in 1982 and is the biggest and longest-running multilateral military exercises in Southeast Asia. It serves as a platform for the US to foster ties in the region, amid mounting rivalry with China.