A 13ft king cobra was found hidden among cardboard boxes in a family's house in Thailand.

The massive venomous snake sought refuge in orchard owner Puangpan Apai's house in Chanthaburi province after being chased by dogs.

She checked outside after hearing her pet's incessant barking, only to find the cobra raising its head as it slithered in the grass.

Terrified Puangpan took her pooch and locked the doors as there was also a bed-ridden patient in the house.

However, the cobra found its way into a separate room at the front of the house.

She called snake experts to catch the enormous reptile.

Rescue volunteers arrived and found the cobra crammed behind boxes under a bench. They used a hook to pull it outside into open space, before luring the unsuspecting animal into a plastic container. The operation took around 10 minutes.

Snake expert Pattanapol Klomkaew said king cobras usually inhabit forests, mountains, and gardens. He said: 'If anyone finds a snake entering their house, they should inform the authorities for help. It is too risky to try catching it on their own.'