An elusive rat snake hid in a Thai woman's toilet for three days.

The two-metre oriental rat snake first appeared in Yananee Kwansri's apartment in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 20.

The terrified tenant said she closed the lid and locked the bathroom door before calling the animal rescue team. However, the reptile had already disappeared by the time they arrived.

She said she kept vigilant watch over the toilet for the next few days, but the serpent kept escaping whenever she notified the snake wranglers.

The creature re-appeared on March 23, and finally stayed long enough for the rescuers to catch it.

Yananee said: 'Now I can finally use the toilet in peace. I was worried I would have to keep calling the rescue team for a week.'

The Oriental rat snake, scientifically known as Ptyas mucosa, is a non-venomous colubrid snake native to Asia, commonly found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

With its slender body and typically greenish-gray coloration, it preys on small mammals, birds, and eggs, playing an essential role in controlling rodent populations in its ecosystem.