Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute
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Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (QSMI) (Thai: สถานเสาวภา Sathan Saovabha) in Bangkok, Thailand, is a famous institute that specialises in the husbandry of poisonous snakes, the extraction and research of snake venom. It also houses the snake farm.
The institute was founded in 1921 by royal decree of King Rama VI of Thailand. It initially concentrated on efforts to find a cure for rabies, which was back then especially a scourge. Originally named after Louis Pasteur, it was changed to its current name. The research into snake venom is highly important, since many people fall victim to poisonous snake bites. Normally only an antidote that is based from the same snake’s venom can save the individual's life.
Containing thousands of some of the most poisonous snakes in the world, such as the king cobra and all sorts of vipers, the farm is a highlight for any tourist visit. There are daily shows, where handlers play around with pythons, and extractions of venom can also be witnessed.
The QSMI and the snake farm are located near Chulalongkorn Hospital, on the corner of Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road.
