A python taking shelter from the rain was found hiding in a Chinese restaurant.

The 10ft (3 metres) snake was spotted by customers who were having dumplings at a restaurant in Krabi province, Thailand on September 5.

Footage shows the serpent being pulled from the back of the sink. They grabbed its head and extracted it from its hiding place before it was carried to the front of the restaurant to be measured.

One of the waitresses said: ‘The customers were having breakfast and coffee. We were startled when we saw the python emerge from the corner.'

Officers said the animal might have been looking for a safe place to stay in the stormy season.

Wildlife handler Supachai said: ‘The rainy season could have prompted the snake to seek refuge from the flood. We have found snake skin around so the snake might have been living here for a while.'

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.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are at the start of their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms. The rudimentary infrastructure often struggles with the deluge, leading to widespread flash floods.