“Act with integrity, never betray honesty” / US case: Restaurant owner finds $12,000 and returns it to former owner

A striking example of honesty is taking over social media in America, as a businessman from South Carolina found $12,000 hidden in an old toolbox and decided to return it to the former owner.

Sak Yiengjuntuek, who runs the restaurant “Lemongrass Pho & Thai Cuisine” in Myrtle Beach, came across the discovery while fixing up the facilities left behind by his predecessor in the business, after taking over the premises in April 2025.

While inspecting some boxes of equipment, he opened one of them and inside found a sunglasses case. After opening it, he saw a considerable amount of money.

“I was speechless. At that moment I realized the money belonged to the former owner,” Yiengjuntuek told the American press.

He immediately tried to contact the predecessor to return the money, but the contact he had from the business documents turned out to be invalid.

Unable to locate him otherwise, the restaurant owner turned to a local TV station, hoping that publicizing the case would help him identify the real owner of the money.

During a live interview on that station, Yiengjuntuek remembered that he had another cellphone number registered under a different name. He called it right then and there, and to his surprise, the person answered.

“I have wonderful news for you,” he said on the phone, informing him that he had found his lost savings.

It was later revealed that the owner of the money was battling a serious health condition, which made the return even more meaningful.

Yiengjuntuek’s gesture was applauded by the residents of Myrtle Beach, while he himself expressed the wish that his story would inspire others.

“Do the right thing. Never abandon honesty,” was his appeal.