The sprawling metropolis of Bangkok is home to more than eight million people, but it’s also home to another population that has the locals on edge: snakes. With more than 200 species indigenous to the region, the Thai capital is one of the most snake-infested cities in the world. During the rainy season, these elusive reptiles often seek refuge in people’s homes, making the brave men and women of Bangkok’s fire department the first responders not only for fires, but also for snake removal.
In “Slithering City,” a new documentary by filmmaker Florian Nusch, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey into the world of the snake catchers of Bangkok. Sontaya Wangjam is one of the city’s most skilled snake wranglers, and as viewers will witness, his job is not for the faint of heart. With the number of venomous snakes increasing every year, Sontaya’s work is more important than ever in keeping the people of Bangkok safe from harm. But catching snakes is not the only reason these carnivores are important to the city. As Nusch reveals, they also play a key role in keeping the city’s rat population under control.
