Bangkok airport security guard strikes gold but gives it back
A female security guard at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is winning praise nationwide after discovering a bag filled with gold necklaces and pulling off a high-speed mission to return it to its owner, just minutes before his flight back to India.
CCTV footage from Gate 8 on the 4th floor of the departure terminal shows the heartwarming moment today, April 18, when the guard, Patchara Phiraphan, spotted a small bag lying on the floor. She bent down to inspect it, only to find it was stuffed with gold.
Without hesitation, she radioed the Suvarnabhumi Airport operations centre, who immediately launched a digital search using CCTV and facial recognition tech to track down the rightful owner.
It turned out the bag belonged to an Indian passenger who had just stepped off a shuttle bus and accidentally dropped it before heading inside the terminal.
Airport staff sprang into action and intercepted the man at the security checkpoint, just in time before he boarded his flight home. The emotional tourist was overjoyed to have his precious jewellery returned.
Suvarnabhumi Airport director Kittipong Kittikhajorn said the airport will formally honour Patchara and her colleagues, Itthiphon Chankla of the 4th Security Division and another unnamed officer from the Royal Thai Army Police, with plaques and certificates of recognition.
The gold in question was identified as a 2-salung necklace, no small sum, especially with gold prices soaring.
An airport spokesperson hailed the honest guard for her swift thinking and integrity.
“She didn’t once consider keeping it, despite the value. Her actions reflect the highest standard of Thai hospitality.”
The feel-good story has gone viral, with social media users calling her a “national treasure” and applauding her for boosting the kingdom’s image in the eyes of international tourists.
As one passenger put it: “In a world full of turbulence, it’s nice to know Suvarnabhumi still has a few angels on the ground.”
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