UDON THANI — 17 June 2026, The family of a Thai farmer were stunned to discover 1.84 million baht in cash hidden inside a modified metal storage box used for tools after his death, revealing years of careful saving that even his wife did not know about.
The discovery came after the death of In Saendong, 78, from Nong Tum village in Udon Thani province. Relatives found the cash while searching through a metal storage container he had used to keep tools and personal belongings.
Photos and videos of the discovery were later shared online, drawing widespread attention and prompting many social media users to praise the deceased for his thrift and financial discipline.
Daeng, 74, In’s wife of nearly 60 years, said she had no idea her husband had accumulated such a large amount of money.
She said In had always lived modestly and frequently told family members he had little money. Over the years, he had quietly saved money from inherited assets and the sale of cattle and buffalo.
“I never imagined he had saved this much,” she said.
In spent most of his life farming and raising cattle and buffalo. Family members described him as hardworking, frugal and reluctant to discuss money.
He fell ill about 20 days before his death after collapsing while carrying out community duties in the village. He received treatment in hospital before returning home, where he died on 13 June.
Following his death, Daeng and their two sons decided to inspect the storage box because she vaguely remembered her husband keeping money there.
When they opened it, they found stacks of banknotes totalling 1.84 million baht, along with a one-baht-weight gold necklace.
Daeng said she was overwhelmed by the discovery and described her late husband as “a model father”.
“He worked with his own hands all his life, farming and raising animals,” she said. “I never thought he had managed to save this much.”
Navin, 54, the couple’s eldest son, said his father had always taught his children to spend carefully and save whenever possible.
“He always told us to work hard, save what we could and not spend beyond our means,” he said. “We are proud of what he did for the family.”
Panni Chaiphim, 70, a fellow village health volunteer who worked alongside In for many years, described him as a respected member of the community known for his modest lifestyle and careful saving habits.
Family members said the money has since been deposited in a bank and will form part of the inheritance for the couple’s three children, who intend to use it to help care for their mother in the future.
