Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute 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, a popular tourist attraction. The origins of the institute can be traced back to 1912 when King Rama VI granted permission for a government institute to manufacture and distribute rabies vaccine upon the suggestion of Prince Damrong, whose daughter, Princess Banlusirisarn, had died from rabies infection. It was officially opened on 26 October 1913 in the Luang Building on Bamrung Muang Road as the Pastura Institute after Louis Pasteur, who discovered the first vaccine against rabies. In 1917 it was renamed the Pasteur Institute and placed under the supervision of the Thai Red Cross Society. The institute also produced vaccine against smallpox. Containing thousands of some of the most venomous snakes in the world, such as the king cobra and all sorts of vipers, the snake 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. There is also a museum where lectures are given.
