Transport
Motorcycle Taxi Driver Strikes Gold at Rangsit Flea Market
A motorcycle taxi driver in Thailand discovered that items purchased for 150 baht at a local flea market were made of genuine gold and silver, netting him a significant profit.
On September 13, 2026, Khaosod Online reported an unusual discovery involving a motorcycle taxi driver, identified as 45-year-old Mr. Chokcherd Duang-ngern. According to the report, Mr. Chokcherd purchased an old silver box for 100 baht and a bracelet resembling costume jewelry for 50 baht at a weekend flea market near the Rangsit railway tracks on August 28, 2026.
Seeking to verify the materials, he visited the 'Dragon Gold Smelting' shop located in front of the Rattanagosin 200 Years Village. Shop employee and technician Mr. Sirisak Butchai examined the items and confirmed they were made of genuine precious metals. The sale of these items subsequently earned the driver over 100,000 baht.
For residents and travelers, this story highlights the potential for hidden treasures in Thailand’s informal second-hand markets. While such windfalls are rare, the incident serves as a reminder of the value found in local trade. However, it remains unconfirmed whether other items sold at the same market possess similar value, or if this was an isolated occurrence of a seller being unaware of their inventory's worth. Visitors interested in flea markets should exercise caution, as the authenticity of goods in such settings is rarely guaranteed.