A Myrtle Beach restaurant owner's discovery of thousands of dollars in forgotten cash has become a story of integrity and community values after he went to extraordinary lengths to return the money to its rightful owner.
Sak Yiengjuntuek, owner of Lemongrass Pho & Thai Cuisine in Myrtle Beach, found $12,000 in $100 bills concealed inside a sunglasses case tucked away in an old tool chest. The cabinet had been left behind by the restaurant's previous owner, and Yiengjuntuek was preparing to discard what he considered junk furniture when curiosity prompted him to look inside.
"I saw the sunglasses case and then, you know, of course, when you see something like that, you want to open and look," Yiengjuntuek told TODAY, according to Good News Network. "I was so shocked. I knew right then that it belonged to the previous owner."
Rather than keeping the substantial sum, Yiengjuntuek immediately attempted to contact the former restaurant owner. His first effort hit a dead end when the phone number he had on file proved disconnected, leaving him uncertain how to proceed with returning the money.
The restaurant owner then contacted local NBC affiliate WMBF to share his story, hoping the previous owner might see the broadcast. In a remarkable turn of events, Yiengjuntuek was live on air when he suddenly recalled having a second phone number for the man saved under a different contact name. Without hesitation, he placed the call on camera.
When the former owner answered, Yiengjuntuek delivered welcome news: "I have some good news for you," he said, according to Good News Network.
The timing of the discovery proved particularly significant. WLBT later reported that the money's owner was facing a serious health problem, making the return of the funds especially meaningful. The story has resonated throughout the Myrtle Beach community, where residents now recognize and praise Yiengjuntuek for his honesty.
For Yiengjuntuek, the decision to return the money was never in question. He hopes his actions will encourage others to act with similar integrity when faced with ethical choices.
"I just want to say: Do the right thing," Yiengjuntuek told TODAY, according to Good News Network. "Don't give up honesty."
The incident serves as a reminder that acts of honesty, even when no one is watching, can have profound impacts on individuals and communities. In an era when such stories often seem rare, Yiengjuntuek's decision to return the money demonstrates the enduring value of doing what is right regardless of personal gain.
