ATM ‘swallows’ student’s debit card in Buri Ram


There are many solutions when our credit or debit cards are ‘swallowed’ up by an ATM.

The easiest way to deal with this problem would probably to contact the bank to freeze our account and follow the steps suggested by an operator over the phone.

However, some people, especially those with no cash in their pocket, may not be able to contain their anger if they encounter this kind of situation.

Here’s the story of a Thai student in Buri Ram who allegedly smashed in an ATM in a fit of rage and fled from the scene.

Latest news stories on TSL:


Cash machine left damaged with a big hole


On 16th December 2021, an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) belonging to Krungthai Bank was left damaged – more specifically, with a giant hole below its card slot.

The machine is located in front of a motorcycle shop in Laharnsai district, Buri Ram.


Image credit: One31.net

This was shortly after a female student allegedly clobbered the cash dispensing machine with anger.

Now, you may be curious what exactly triggered the student’s attack. Let’s read along.


The ATM allegedly swallows the student’s debit card


An eyewitness revealed that she saw two students spending several minutes at the ATM.


Image credit: One31.net

She then came to ask them what happened with the machine and was told by the frustrated student that the ATM had swallowed her debit card.


Image credit: Khaosod

A few moments later, the frustrated student was spotted repeatedly hitting the cash machine. An act that left a big hole under the card slot in its wake.


Image credit: Khaosod

Interestingly, the ATM is still useable even though it was left damaged from the incident.

The eyewitness also told the press that this ATM had swallowed debit and credit cards of many users before. This was allegedly already reported to the bank’s staff, in the hopes they’d be able to repair the machine.


Netizens wonder about the price of the student’s actions


After the story circulated on social media, many netizens commented on the issue.


Image credit: ข่าวช่องวัน

Translation: We may not know the price for a new card, but all I know is that this new year, she will need to compensate the bank to repair the machine.

One netizen commented that in addition to the new card, the student also has to pay the bank compensation for the machine’s damage.


Image credit: ข่าวช่องวัน

Translation: That’s good though. They finally ‘fixed’ the machine. LOL

Another netizen quipped – quite ironically – that at least the machine will finally be fixed after this incident. Though not in the way one would usually expect it.


Image credit: ข่าวช่องวัน

Translation: I believe that many people want to do the same thing. LOL

Finally, this Facebook user supposed that others might want to hit that machine just like the student did, from now on.


Don’t let your anger control you


No matter how angry the student was when her debit card got retained by the ATM, one lesson we can learn from this story is that we shouldn’t let our anger control ourselves.

We think it’s good to take a breath, calm down and think positively about an alternate solution to resolve the problem.

That way, we’ll be able to get through any difficulties without wasting our money.


Cover images adapted from (L-R): One31.net, Khaosod

Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this.

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.