Is King Cobra protected in Thailand?

This is a genuine question, is the King Cobra a protected species in Thailand? I thought it was but am not 100% sure and have not been able to find a trustable reference on the net. The IUCN says its "protected" in Thailand but does not reference the protection act/law.

Why am I asking? Read the 9th paragraph Here

Don't have the answer. But am as curious as you are.
It should be protected, as should any wild animal.
But I'm afraid that no matter if it is protected or not, even more so for snakes equipped with potent venom, they will be killed by people.

If it is neccessary for a survival course to drink King Cobra blood is questionable.
As the interviewed participant says, it is probably the one thing he will remember and tell others for the rest of his life.

Is there a list in Thailand of protected species? I have seen some kind of a shortlist (15 or so?) of protected animals which I always considered a bit strange. I believe it has species on it that are already extinct in Thailand...

From what I can deduce Thailand's Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act applies only to wild animals. Animals that are "protected" (KC is one and is CITES appendix II) can be kept with a suitable license. Its not against the law to kill and eat an animal if it was not taken from the wild. But if you do not have the license you can face up to 4 years in jail or a fine of 40,000 baht.

Still, I would have thought the United States military would require their editorial staff to be a little more prudent with ethical issues as American law and ethics are their benchmark.

I would imagine it was pigs blood and the Thai soldier had a wry smile on his face.