BANGKOK - A Thai man was bitten in his private parts by a python while he was using the toilet at his home, reports say.

He managed to loosen the reptile's hold only after a bloody battle with the snake, according to Thai media reports.

Mr Atthaporn Boonmarkchuai, 38, is now recovering at a hospital. He gave an account of what happened to several newspapers in Thailand.

Mr Atthaporn, who lives in Chachoengsao province, said he felt a sharp pain when he was using the squat toilet in the morning.

He was shocked to see a large snake. He told Thai PBS that he called for help from his wife and neighbours as he struggled with the snake.

Eventually, he managed to grab the snake's head and pressed it hard until it released its bite on his penis.

His wife handed him a nylon rope which he used to tie the python to the bathroom door. Reports put the length of the snake at between 3m and 4m.

By then, Mr Atthaporn had lost a lot of blood and was rushed to hospital. He is in a stable condition, but doctors are monitoring his condition.

He told reporters that he was careful to unhinge the reptile's jaws instead of pulling it away to avoid permanent damage to himself.

Rescue workers had to remove and smash the squat toilet to get to the python, which was stuck inside.

The python will be set free, news website Thairath reported.