We had the case recently of a girl who lost her SD card from her camera in Krabi at a coffee shop. Cara was Canadian and she was really sad to have lost it. She filled out our Krabi Lost Item Report last January. We didn’t think it was possible to find it for her because an SD card is such a small item. But guess what happened?!
Thailand had always been on Cara’s bucket list for amazing places to visit. The allure of its golden beaches, the vibrant street markets, and the promise of adventure had finally brought her from Canada to the Land of Smiles. Her journey started in Bangkok, where she marveled at the Grand Palace, savored street food at Chatuchak Market, and cruised down the Chao Phraya River.
Each moment was meticulously documented on her trusty 256GB SD card, a small device that held a treasure trove of memories for her and that she was always very careful with.
After a whirlwind tour of Bangkok, Cara made her way south to Krabi, a province known for its stunning limestone cliffs and karst formations, clear waters, and laid-back vibes. Ao Nang Beach was her home base, a bustling spot with a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
She explored Railay Beach, known for its rock climbing and stunning sunsets, took a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands, and even ventured into the Emerald Pool in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. Each of these experiences was captured in photos and videos, safely stored on her SD card.
One sunny morning, after a refreshing swim in the pool at the Centara Grand Beach Resort, Cara decided to head out for a cup of coffee at a quaint local café she had discovered in Ao Nang Beach, a short boat ride away. It was a cozy place with a friendly atmosphere, and it quickly became one of her favorite spots due to the perfect coffee, the comfortable chairs, and the chill music.
She set her camera and SD card on the table as she enjoyed her coffee, reviewing the shots from her trip she had just downloaded to her MacBook Air. Lost in her thoughts and the beauty of her photos, she didn’t notice the time passing.
When it was time to leave, Cara gathered her belongings and headed out to explore more of Ao Nang. It wasn’t until later that evening, back in her hotel room, that she realized her SD card was missing from her camera. Panic set in as she frantically searched through her bags, but the card was nowhere to be found.
Her heart sank at the thought of losing all the photos that documented her incredible journey through Thailand!
Realizing where it must be, Cara rushed back to the coffee shop, hoping against hope that she might have left it there. The staff was sympathetic but hadn’t seen the SD card. They helped her search the area, checking under tables and in corners, but there was no sign of it.
Cara was devastated. The thought of losing all those irreplaceable memories was too much to bear. She spent the next few days in a haze, unable to fully enjoy the remaining days of her trip, constantly retracing her steps and hoping the card would turn up.
Desperate and out of options, Cara found our Lost Found Thailand website on a search engine. We recommended she visit the Tourist Police to report her lost SD card in Ao Nang Beach.
The officers were understanding and took down her details, but the odds of recovering such a small item seemed slim. Still, Cara clung to a glimmer of hope.
Several days passed, and just as Cara was beginning to accept the loss, we got a call from the Tourist Police. They looked at her images on an SD card handed in by another tourist from Ao Nang.
On the card were photos of the Centaura Grand swimming pool she was in. They knew the pool and also had some of her selfie photos! They sent us a photo of the girl on the card, and guess what?
We sent Cara a message and asked her to send a photo of herself to us. She did and they matched! We had her SD CARD!
We told the tourist police and they told us to tell her to come to the Tourist Police Station immediately. Confused and hopeful, she hurried over, her heart pounding.
When she arrived, the officer in charge greeted her with a smile and handed her a familiar-looking SD card. “Is this yours?” he asked. Cara’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was her card! Tears of relief and joy welled up as she nodded, barely able to speak.
The officer explained how they had come to possess the SD card. A fellow tourist had found it on the floor of the café and, realizing its importance, turned it in to the Tourist Police. The officers had gone through the photos on the card, hoping to find a clue about its owner.
Among the many beautiful shots, they recognized the unique pool at the Centara Grand Beach Resort. Knowing this distinctive feature, they contacted the hotel and managed to track down Cara.
Cara couldn’t believe her luck. She thanked the Tourist Police profusely, overwhelmed by their kindness and the incredible turn of events. She left the station clutching her SD card, vowing to be more careful with it in the future.
Back at her hotel, Cara took a moment to reflect on her journey. She had seen so many beautiful places and met so many wonderful people in Thailand, and especially in Krabi. The thought of losing those memories had been heartbreaking, but the experience had also shown her the kindness of strangers and the effectiveness of the Thai Tourist Police.
With her SD card safely back in her possession, Cara spent the rest of her trip in high spirits. She revisited some of her favorite spots in Krabi, took even more photos, and made sure to back up her files with an online drive this time.
She left Thailand with a heart full of gratitude and a camera full of memories, knowing she had a story to tell about the time she almost lost it all, but got it back thanks to the incredible people she met along the way.
Cara’s story is a testament to the unexpected twists of travel and the extraordinary efforts of those who go out of their way to help a stranger. For anyone who loses something precious in Thailand, remember that there are always helping hands ready to assist.
Just like Cara, you might find that what’s lost can indeed be found again.
Give us a chance by filling out the Lost Found Report for the city or area where you lost your item. Good things can and DO happen!