Bangkok Airport Security Guard Strikes Gold—Then Returns It Just in Time
BANGKOK – A heartwarming act of honesty and quick thinking by a female security guard at Suvarnabhumi International Airport is capturing the hearts of netizens across Thailand and beyond, after she discovered a bag full of gold necklaces and rushed to return it to its owner moments before his flight to India.
The dramatic moment unfolded on April 18, near Gate 8 on the 4th floor of the departure terminal. CCTV footage shows Patchara Phiraphan, a security officer, spotting a small bag on the floor. Upon inspection, she discovered it was filled with gold jewellery.
Without hesitation, Patchara alerted the airport’s operations centre, which quickly initiated a CCTV and facial recognition search to identify the bag’s owner. Within minutes, officials discovered the bag belonged to an Indian tourist who had just disembarked from a shuttle bus and inadvertently dropped it while heading into the terminal.
Airport staff raced to intercept the man at the security checkpoint, successfully reuniting him with his precious belongings just before he boarded his flight home. The emotional tourist was overjoyed and grateful.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Kittipong Kittikhajorn announced that Patchara, along with her colleagues Itthiphon Chankla from the 4th Security Division and an unnamed officer from the Royal Thai Army Police, will be officially honoured with plaques and certificates for their exemplary service.
The recovered item, identified as a 2-salung gold necklace, holds significant value—especially with gold prices soaring.
A spokesperson praised Patchara’s integrity and swift response, saying, “She didn’t once consider keeping it, despite the value. Her actions reflect the highest standard of Thai hospitality.”
The feel-good story quickly went viral on social media, with users lauding her as a “national treasure” and applauding her role in enhancing Thailand’s image among global tourists.
