A shocked driver found a snake stuck in his car engine in Thailand.

Benz, 31, was leaving for his morning workout when he spotted the three-foot reptile peeking out of his Toyota Yaris on Monday morning.

Fearing it was venomous, he called the local snake catchers, who arrived at his house in Phrae province at around 9 am local time.

The animal rescuers first sprayed insect repellent to drive the serpent out of its hiding place. When it slithered under the vehicle, they dragged it into the open using snake tongs.

Footage shows the snake trying to wriggle free as it was pinned down on the pavement.

A snake catcher said it was a non-venomous Chinese rat snake believed to have been shedding. He said: 'It likely slipped into the car to hide because it is most vulnerable during this time.'

Benz said he had returned from a long drive from Bangkok the previous night. He believed the snake entered his car during a stop at Nakhon Sawan province.

The car owner added: 'I was worried it was venomous because I've been feeling pain in my foot since last night. I didn't know if I had been bitten.

'I'm glad it was found before I started driving. I'm very grateful to the rescue workers.'

The snake was later released into its natural habitat.

The Chinese rat snake, also known as the Indo-Chinese rat snake, is a non-venomous species found across Southeast Asia, southern China, and parts of India. It preys on birds, lizards, frogs, and rodents.