Taxi driver returns $10,000 after tourist accidentally forgets it in car

Jerry Hart, an American tourist, was on his way to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, for his flight back to the U.S. when he accidentally left a very important bag in a cab. (iStock)

A good trip can turn into a disaster with one simple stroke of bad luck. But happily, it can also be turned around with a simple act of kindness.

According to The Daily Mail, Jerry Hart, an American tourist, was on his way to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, for his flight back to the U.S. when he accidentally left a very important bag in the back of his cab.

How important was it, exactly? It contained nearly $10,000 in it.

It’s unclear how Hart managed to forget this bag full of cash, approximately $9,800 in U.S. dollars, but when he realized his mistake at the airport, he ended up canceling his flight in a panic and called the police.

Luckily for Hart, his cab driver, Veeraphol Klamsiri, was cleaning out his vehicle when he found the money bag underneath one of the front seats. Klamsiri immediately reported it to his supervisors, who worked with police to track down Hart, The Daily Mail reported.

“I'm very happy. I can't believe my luck. I didn't think I would see the money again,” Hart said to The Daily Mail.

Lucky may be a pretty mild way of putting Hart’s situation. According to The Daily Mail, Klamsiri also drove one other passenger after Hart before discovering the money, but it seems that passenger did not see the bag or its contents. Who knows, Hart may have come incredibly close to losing his bag and his cash forever. Klamsiri isn’t just honest or noble, he’s practically a hero.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, airport deputy director, told The Daily Mail, “When taxis enter the airport they must return all property of the customer. Tourists can feel safe that their belongings will always be taken care of even if they lose them or forget them.”

Hart mentioned that he plans to move to Thailand when he retires, especially since he had such a good experience here.