Amidst a slew of complaints and negative publicity surrounding Bangkok taxi drivers, one individual’s extraordinary act of kindness has brought a glimmer of hope and redemption to the industry. Rangsan Tonwongkaew, a taxi driver operating in the bustling capital, has received widespread acclaim for going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safe return of a significant sum of money amounting to 170,000 baht to a Laotian tourist visiting Thailand.
In a heartwarming incident that unfolded on Tuesday evening at approximately 8 pm, Rangsan Tonwongkaew picked up the Laotian passenger from the renowned shopping hub, Central World in Bangkok. Maneuvering through the city’s vibrant streets, Rangsan expertly navigated his vibrant pink and green taxi, delivering his passenger to a popular restaurant located on Soi Lad Phrao 87, as reported by CH3, a local news outlet.
It was only after the tourist had departed the taxi that Rangsan noticed an envelope left behind on the back seat. Upon further inspection, he discovered that the envelope contained an abundance of Hong Kong dollars, equivalent to a staggering 167,659 baht. Surprised by this unexpected windfall, Rangsan recounted his initial thoughts upon discovering the envelope, “At first when I saw the stuff in the back of my car, I honestly thought the passenger was leaving rubbish in my taxi again. I opened the envelope to check and found a lot of money.”
Showing remarkable integrity and a commitment to doing the right thing, Rangsan noticed a phone number on the accompanying slip and immediately dialed it in an attempt to reach the forgetful passenger. Unfortunately, his efforts to make contact proved futile, prompting him to seek an alternative solution. Taking swift action, he called FM91 Trafficpro, a popular traffic news channel, and requested their assistance in making an announcement to locate the rightful owner of the lost envelope. Rangsan elaborated on his decision, saying, “I thought contacting FM 91 was the best thing to do because I’ve seen them reuniting passengers with mobile phones – which are only small but they contain stuff that’s important to us.”
Furthermore, Rangsan emphasized his desire to support Thailand’s thriving tourism industry, explaining that returning lost items serves as a testament to the kindness and hospitality of the Thai people. He believed that these acts of goodwill act as a promotional tool, showcasing the nation’s warmth and generosity to foreign visitors. Rangsan expressed his aspirations for the taxi industry, stating, “I want the taxi industry to be beautiful. I’d like to invite taxi drivers to be honest, don’t be materialistic, and then foreigners will see that we are kind-hearted. We are trying to make a living, and so are they. Be honest in your career.”
The story took a joyful turn when a Thai friend, Puttiphat Kusolmanit, came forward to collect the money on behalf of the Laotian tourist, who had already embarked on his journey to Hong Kong. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Puttiphat expressed his friend’s disbelief and astonishment, as he had resigned himself to the loss of his funds. “He thought he wouldn’t get it back. He had no hope at all. He was very lucky to meet this taxi driver. Thank you for returning the money,” Puttiphat conveyed, his voice filled with appreciation.
Rangsan Tonwongkaew’s exemplary act of honesty and compassion has not only salvaged the reputation of Bangkok’s taxi drivers but has also served as a reminder of the importance of integrity and empathy in the tourism industry. In a city often plagued by complaints of misconduct, Rangsan’s story shines as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter and more trustworthy future for all those involved in the transportation sector.