This is the terrifying moment snake catchers pulled a massive 12ft long python from a resident's toilet in Thailand.

Animal handlers and security officers wrangled the beast after it was found by the homeowners curled up in the bowl inside their bathroom in Nonthaburi province on June 4.

Footage shows the wildlife rescuers using a snake pole to fish out the gigantic serpent as it writhed menacingly below the seat.

After snaring its head, they uncoiled the reptile and dragged it outside before sealing it inside a sack.

Rescue officer Viroj Boonthai, 50, said: 'It took about 20 minutes to pull the python, which was about 12 feet long. The homeowners asked me to help after they found the snake curled up in their toilet.

'I've seen many snakes pop up from inside the toilet, but this python was so big that its body occupied the entire bowl.

'I would like to remind the public to flush their toilets before sitting down to check if there are any snakes or other harmful animals hiding inside.'

Shaken homeowner Suvimon, 59, said: 'I usually close the toilet lid and place a toilet cleaner bottle on top. I saw that the bottle was still upright, so I thought there was nothing there.

'But when I lifted the cover, there was a dark shadow inside. I hadn't turned on the lights yet so I couldn't see what it was, but I was so scared that I ran outside, closed the bathroom door, and called my husband.'

She added that they had previously encountered a different snake in their toilet several years ago.

Suvimon's relieved husband Kittisak, 65, said: 'I tried to knock on the closed toilet lid, and there was a strange sound. There was definitely something moving underneath, so I notified the security guards to help me.'

The python has now been safely released away from the residential area.

The reticulated python is found throughout Southeast Asia, where they live in forests, swamps, canals and even in cities, causing them to come into conflict with humans. The species is one of the world's largest snakes and can eat humans, cats, dogs, birds, rats and other snakes.