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

 

 

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.

13 hours ago, it is what it is said:

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.

 

13 hours ago, it is what it is said:

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.

 

Well done.

money only, there is no name on money... anyone can claim. Attention seekers.

18 hours ago, it is what it is said:

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.

That's great... 

3 minutes ago, diveasia666 said:

money only, there is no name on money... anyone can claim. Attention seekers.

I would have gone  to the money change and turned it  into THB and straight  down to soi 6 .

1 minute ago, wavodavo said:

I would have gone  to the money change and turned it  into THB and straight  down to soi 6 .

So a thief and a silly one. Happened on Phuket not Pattaya.

26 minutes ago, marin said:

So a thief and a silly one. Happened on Phuket not Pattaya.

its not stealing if you find money on the street...in a wallet or with ID is a different thing, and I also agree it should be returned to the rightful owner in that case.

If I found just the money on the street, I would thank buddha and have a beer. 🙂

36 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

I would have gone  to the money change and turned it  into THB and straight  down to soi 6 .

When I got to soi 6 I would have ringitt the bell.

1 hour ago, wavodavo said:

I would have gone  to the money change and turned it  into THB and straight  down to soi 6 .

I Think we all know What YOU are like M8 !!

1 hour ago, diveasia666 said:

its not stealing if you find money on the street...in a wallet or with ID is a different thing, and I also agree it should be returned to the rightful owner in that case.

If I found just the money on the street, I would thank buddha and have a beer. 🙂

If I found just the money on the street, I would thank buddha and have a Nice Cold SOFT Drink.....The Beer Gives me Wind !!

Found b20 in the MRT a few months back. I pocketed it. No one coming back behind the gates gonna look for that.

 

Dropped b1000 at my local 7. Clerk saved it for me. ❤️

 

Today, odd ... I saw three 1b coins on footpaths (3x). No respect for money...must be fatties

2 hours ago, diveasia666 said:

money only, there is no name on money... anyone can claim. Attention seekers.

So you believe a couple of kiwis gave up some money for momentary attention in the Thai press? What a cynical world you live in.... 

21 hours ago, it is what it is said:

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.

"No need to make a big song and dance about it" so I'll just  virtue signal myself on an internet forum!

2 hours ago, diveasia666 said:

money only, there is no name on money... anyone can claim. Attention seekers.

Nonsense, keeping found money belonging to others is theft.

2 hours ago, diveasia666 said:

its not stealing if you find money on the street..

It is theft, it belongs to someone else, not you.

6 hours ago, diveasia666 said:

money only, there is no name on money... anyone can claim. Attention seekers.

Attention for what? You never heard of honesty or goodwill?  Unfamiliar words to you? 

Happens all the time here in Auckland, probably 

A lovely story for a change and they look like a very nice couple, quality tourists for a change.

17 hours ago, wavodavo said:

I would have gone  to the money change and turned it  into THB and straight  down to soi 6 .

I lost 20,000 baht once but then found it in my wife's purse.  She had no idea how it got there.  555

I wonder how the claimant provided evidence it was her lost money?

19 hours ago, hotchilli said:

That's great... 

There are definitely very honest people, but may I make a point. If you found say an envelope with thousands of baht and no means of identification, what would you do? Would you hand it into the police?

Myself, I just don't know, probably go by what the wife says.

2 hours ago, SanSaiExPat said:

I lost 20,000 baht once but then found it in my wife's purse.  She had no idea how it got there.  555

Why were you going into your wife's purse?

41 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

There are definitely very honest people, but may I make a point. If you found say an envelope with thousands of baht and no means of identification, what would you do? Would you hand it into the police?

Myself, I just don't know, probably go by what the wife says.

I wouldn't hand it in to the police... I'd leave my contact details around the area and let them find me.

Just now, hotchilli said:

I wouldn't hand it in to the police... I'd leave my contact details around the area and let them find me.

Excellent answer, I will keep that in mind in case I suddenly become rich.

21 hours ago, marin said:

So a thief and a silly one. Happened on Phuket not Pattaya.

I guess he meant that the money would be enough for taking him from Phuket to his beloved Pattaya, the brothel city... 

On 7/29/2025 at 6:26 PM, it is what it is said:

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.

I have done the same thing 3 times in the past 

But people like us are a dyeing breed these days. 

The old values are not taught to children these days and times are tough, but very nice to see. 

 

 

I have lost money before all i can say is oh well forget about it.If i found money  i would say lucky me  just like the person who found my money.Cash it in for thai baht and a few drinks at the bar are free with a nice bar worker