In a lively scene at the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi, a Thai snake photoshoot operation took an unexpected twist, captivating online audiences worldwide. The center of the tale involves a South Korean influencer, a charming yet unexpected encounter with serpentine companions, and a twisty price tag that sparked both intrigue and controversy.
South Korean globetrotter and influencer, alongside her adventurous male friend, embarked on a vibrant exploration of the famous floating market, known for its kaleidoscope of colors and array of quirky experiences. Little did they know that their trip would lead to an unexpected encounter with a local snake photoshoot operator.
As the digital world buzzed with curious anticipation, the saga began to unfold through a video shared by Esor News. This clip captured our intrepid influencer, already in travelista mode, contemplating a photoshoot with snakes—a uniquely exotic proposition! The conversation between her and the snake-handler tempted both intrigue and hilarity as negotiations hit a peculiar note.
“2,500 baht!” she exclaimed, eyes widening at what turned out to be quite an unexpectedly hefty price tag for the photo-op with the slithering models. “Wait, 2,500,” she reiterated, an eyebrow raised in disbelief, “I thought it would be 500 or something like that. We don’t have that much cash.” Her candid reality check echoed feelings travelers often face when grappling with the nuances of a foreign land’s finer negotiation points.
The local scene added its own flavor to the unfolding drama. The female employee politely presented two choices: cash or card, leaving the possibility open for the influencer to either accept the steep charge or wiggle out of a snake-filled embrace. Yet, mystery shrouded whether she and her companion proceeded to pose with the slinkers or opted to slither away themselves.
The video stirred quite the cauldron of social media discourse, attracting eyeballs and criticisms alike. Users pointed virtual fingers at the snake photo service provider, questioning the fairness of this somewhat unanticipated charge and tossing claims of foreign overcharging into the social media mix. Some even mischievously alleged that tourists were unsuspectingly adorned with a snake scarf, posed, and required to foot the bill, whether or not they screamed “Say cheese!” with a boa around their neck.
Enter the Ratchaburi Provincial Commercial Affairs Office, responding with due diligence to investigate this wrangling of serpentine charges. On January 6, investigators arrived to confront the operator, Mr. Ekkaphop, a 43-year-old vendor with a thing for photo compositions both herpetological and controversial. During the inquiry, Ekkaphop owned up to the initial claim—that his attendant had indeed quoted the envenomed price of 2,500 baht for their scaled celebrities. Yet, he recounts offering a significant markdown to just 500 baht—a gesture generously slashing the fearsome fee, yet it came too late as the influencer decided to opt out of the scaled photoshoot.
The market’s court of public opinion further churned as netizens weighed in, with accounts of tourists clandestinely accessorized with curious constrictors, ready for a snap, without much prior agreement. Ekkaphop ardently denied such slipshod practices and any unwelcome snake-draping tactics. He underscored his commitment to transparency—and respect for personal space in an industry not typically characterized by boa-bargaining norms.
In an official turn, officers found Ekkaphop’s lack of a proper price display distinctly unlawful, resulting in a fine of 1,000 baht—an ironic price parody given the alleged overcharge. Social media-savvy netizens did not shy away from mocking the fine’s paltry size, gleefully calculating a theoretical profit margin post-penalty, which brought an uproarious spin to the whole affair.
Even within Thailand’s own ranks, there emerged whispers of national favoritism and typically foreign-focused tourist experiences. A Thai mother’s account in the comment section revealed a charming child’s snakeside curiosity thwarted by a snubbed request for skin-to-scale interaction, hinting at the cultural economy of the market.
This serpentine saga, well knit into the fabric of floating market mythos, brings an entertaining, if not enlightening, perspective on the unexpected twists of tourism, snake-clad selfies, and the delightful lessons hidden in travel escapades. As we unravel this story, it’s not just about the fee or fangs—it’s about the marvelous tale we’re left to tell.
I think it’s honestly ridiculous to get so worked up over snake photo fees. You should expect to pay a premium for a unique experience.
But come on, 2,500 baht for a picture with a snake? That’s a scam in any language!
If you’re traveling, you should do research. Experiences can cost more at tourist spots.
People should stop perpetuating this exploitation of animals for profit. Snakes are living beings, not props!
The fine seems almost laughable compared to what they charge tourists. There’s got to be better regulation here.
Agreed! The fine was barely a slap on the wrist. It’s like encouraging them to keep overcharging.
I’ve been to the Damnoen Saduak and honestly, it’s one big tourist trap. This snake incident is just the tip of the iceberg.
Tourist traps or not, they offer a glimpse into cultural practices. Sometimes worth the fee for the experience.
Cultural practice or a way to exploit travelers for more cash? There’s a line between culture and commerce.
Why would anyone want to be around snakes anyway? They’re terrifying!
Snakes are fascinating creatures! It’s a unique experience to be close to them.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Still gives me the creeps!
This is just another example of tourists being taken advantage of. Locals should foster goodwill instead.
Precisely! Cheating tourists might give a quick buck but ruins long-term tourism prospects.
I imagine it’s more tongue-in-cheek than anything. Tourism thrives on stories like these!
Stories at the expense of travelers’ wallets though? I think not.
It’s all about the experience and the fun, not just the money!
I would have loved a snake photo but at a fair price. Overcharging is not cool.
I think if you negotiate or walk away, sometimes the price comes down.
Wouldn’t have expected the market staff to display prices honestly. Places are so chaotic!
This is why I stick to exploring remote, untapped places. No overpriced snake photos there!
People forget there’s often a separate pricing tier for tourists. It’s not just snakes, it’s a business dynamic.
Makes sense for locals to want to profit, but shouldn’t we advocate for fair trade in tourism?
Shouldn’t there be discussions about animal ethics? Using snakes as photo props isn’t right.
Even if tourists are expected to pay more, transparency should be non-negotiable.
You need to be savvy as a traveler. Knowledge is power—or at least saves you some cash.
Whatever the cost or drama, the floating market sounds like a vibrant experience filled with stories!
It’s fascinating how quickly stories like these spread and affect perceptions of tourism destinations.
Amazing how a snake photo shoot could turn into such global content. Shows the power of social media.