Thai customs officers seize shipment of more than 2000 snakes

It may be the Year of the Snake but surprised Thai customs officers were not amused after seizing more than 2000 snakes at Bangkok's new airport's cargo terminal.

Hidden in more than 200 polystyrene boxes, the rat snakes and cobras had been returned to Thailand by customs officials in Hong Kong as the shipment declared to be fresh fruit - didn't have the proper paperwork.

The seizure follows the discovery of more than 500 deadly cobras in the rear of a truck outside Bangkok last November.

Thai customs and wildlife agencies are investigating the identity of the slippery cargo's shipping agent.

The well-travelled reptiles are now in a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in western Thailand.