A snake was caught in bathroom sink after startling a grandmother in Thailand.

The sunbeam snake slipped into the water-filled tub at the house in Saraburi province, early Monday morning.

Homeowner Pranee Mawong, 69, said she was about to sit on the toilet when she noticed ripples in the usually stagnant water of her sink.

She looked closer to see what was causing the agitation - only to find spot the serpent gliding around.

Snake catchers said they received a report about the snake, which the pensioner had intially mistaken for a cobra, at 3:32 am local time.

Rescuers fished out the reptile as it tried to slither up the concrete wall.

Pranee said: 'I was terrified because I did not know what kind of snake it was. I called the rescue team since I did not want to risk being bitten by a venomous snake.'

Sunbeam snakes, often mistaken for dangerous species, are usually harmless reptiles found across Southeast Asia. Known for their iridescent scales, they are nocturnal hunters often staying hidden underground venturing out at night to feed on small prey.