Report Honest Kiwi Tourists Return Lost Ringgit in Phuket

[snoop1130]

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Tourist Police ตำรวจท่องเที่ยวภูเก็ต

 

Two New Zealand tourists demonstrated commendable integrity when they found and returned a bundle of Malaysian ringgit in Phuket, sparking praise from the local community.

 

While navigating the busy Chartered Bank Intersection in Phuket on July 28, the tourists stumbled upon several 100-ringgit banknotes. In a display of honesty, they promptly took the cash to the Phuket Tourist Police. Although the official report did not specify the total amount, photographs on the Phuket Info Center Facebook page indicated the sum was about 1,500 ringgit, roughly 11,000 Thai Baht.

 

In a bid to reunite the money with its rightful owner, police officers urged the online community to help spread the word. Their efforts soon bore fruit as a Malaysian woman came forward claiming the cash. After presenting adequate evidence, she successfully reclaimed her lost money. Her heartfelt gratitude towards both the New Zealanders and the Thai police was evident.

 

The incident ignited admiration among Thai netizens. The tourists were lauded as exemplary visitors, with calls for authorities to acknowledge their integrity formally. Comments flowed in on social media, expressing appreciation and contrasting their behaviour with less savoury tales of other tourists.

 

Phrases like “Quality tourists!” and “These tourists live with integrity” emerged frequently in the online discourse. Many compared the Kiwis' actions to less reputable visitors, with one comment noting, “So different from some visa-free tourists who steal cannabis, dine and dash, dodge transport fares, and cause chaos.”

 

This act of goodwill illustrates the impact that honesty and collaboration between tourists and locals can have on communities. As Thailand continues to welcome international visitors, such stories of integrity not only enhance relationships but also inspire mutual respect and understanding.

 

In the wake of the incident, many are hopeful that this example will set a precedent for tourist behaviour in Phuket and beyond. An official commendation could spotlight positive actions and encourage others to uphold similar standards during their travels.

 

As Phuket burgeons as a global tourist hotspot, stories like this reinforce the notion that kindness and honesty cross cultural boundaries, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-29

 

 

[it is what it is]

found a wallet once, cash, bank cards, credit cards, annual travel pass, managed to locate and return to owner. no need to make a big song and dance about it because it was a normal thing to do.