Firefighters caught a snake hiding under a kitchen sink inside a cafe in Pattaya, Thailand.

The radiated rat snake sparked panic when it slithered into Cafe Amazon, scaring barista Chonticha Saenkhonyang, 19, as it slid past her feet while she was making drinks on January 6.

The young assistant called snake catchers to remove the reptile, which had coiled itself under the sink.

Firefighters arrived and tried to use pliers to clamp down the snake's neck. However, it slithered away and hid itself further into a corner under the counter.

The team made another attempt, this time finally catching the 6ft animal before it could wriggle free. It was dragged outside and later released into its natural habitat.

Relieved Chonticha said: 'I was making a drink for a customer when I spotted the snake raising its head and staring at me. I ran from the counter and also told the customers to escape before calling the rescue team. I was afraid the snake was venomous.'

Pattaya Fire Station officers said the animal was a radiated ratsnake, which are non-venomous but aggressive. Their bites can leave the victim with an infection if left untreated.

The radiated rat snake is a non-venomous snake species found in Southeast Asia. It is known for its distinctive and vibrant coloration, with a pattern of radiating lines that give it its name.