A police officer overcame his fear of snakes to wrangle a huge Burmese python that killed and ate a chicken in a farmer's orchard in Thailand.

Police Senior Sergeant Major Chawinnatat Padungthammasanti of Thaphon Police Station responded to the scene after receiving a report that the beast had appeared at a mango orchard in Phetchabun province on October 6.

Footage shows Chawinnatat wrestling to pin down the python, whose belly was bulging from swallowing the chicken. The python regurgitated its last meal and was later tossed back into the wilderness.

The cop, who had a fear of snakes, said: 'I've never been scared of criminals, but snakes are an exception. I had to overcome my fear so I don't embarrass the police force.'

The Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous snake native to Southeast Asia, known for its impressive size that can exceed 20 feet. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List due to its popularity in the exotic pet trade.