Elderly man loses 120k baht cash and gold in Udon Thani
An elderly man is in distress after losing a substantial sum of money while tending to his cattle in a field. The incident occurred yesterday, December 3 in a village in Udon Thani, where the 85 year old man misplaced 80,000 baht in cash along with a gold ring worth 41,000 baht, totalling 121,000 baht.
The elderly man, identified as Tee Chanthongthip from Ban Jan subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani province, reported the loss to the local police station, accompanied by his son.
Tee recounted the events leading to the loss, explaining that he had taken a break at a neighbour’s hut during his midday cattle tending routine. He visited the hut belonging to his friend 70 year old Samran Thareeram, where he took a brief rest before resuming his work.
Unbeknownst to him, the brown bag containing the cash and gold ring had slipped from his trouser pocket. He is convinced the items were lost at Samran’s hut, where Samran’s son, Hasdi, and an elderly woman were present at the time. Tee’s suspicions led him to file a police complaint, seeking to have Hasdi and the woman questioned for further clarification.
The money Tee lost was painstakingly saved over time, derived from selling cattle and charcoal. He kept the money in cash, believing it safer within his possession rather than in a bank. Following the realisation of his loss, Tee, in frustration, burned the brown bag and the trousers he had been wearing, expressing deep anger at himself for the unfortunate mishap.
“I felt secure keeping the cash with me but never imagined I’d lose it like this. I’m so upset with myself that I burned the bag and trousers.”
The elderly man is now appealing to anyone who might have found the money to return it, offering a reward for their honesty.
“Please, if you found my money, return it. It’s all I have left, and I will reward your kindness.”
Tee later took reporters to the scene where the cattle roam, in a field at the village’s edge. Alongside the 22 cattle, they searched thoroughly for the lost items, yet found nothing. The incident has left Tee not only financially strained but also emotionally burdened, emphasising the importance of the lost sum as it represents his life savings collected over years of hard work, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why do some individuals prefer keeping large sums of cash instead of using banks?
Distrust in banking systems or lack of access can lead people to believe physical possession is safer.
How can rural communities improve financial security for their residents?
Enhancing access to banking services and financial literacy can help secure savings more effectively.
What if Tee’s approach to savings were different; how might his situation change?
Utilising secure banking could have reduced the risk of total financial loss from misplacement.
How do incidents like Tee’s highlight the emotional impact of financial loss?
Beyond financial strain, losing life savings can lead to emotional distress, affecting mental well-being.
What measures can be implemented to prevent similar losses in rural settings?
Promoting secure storage options and community awareness of financial safety can mitigate such risks.
