The report about jetskis says 'No incidents involving altercations with tourists have been reported'. How untrue! On a recent vist to Patong some two weeks ago, I saw the usual jetski guys on Beach Road shouting and arguing with a tourist family over a jetski. The Thai police beach officer stood by and did nothing.

The incidents have not been eliminated. It seems only reporting of these incidents has been eliminated.

Editor: Did you help the family by advising them to contact their embassy? Otherwise, nothing changes.

Posted by Simon Luttrell on December 30, 2009 08:19

Some countries don't have an embassy representatives on Phuket, how shameful is that?

Posted by Graham on December 30, 2009 08:58

Not true! Me too did observe one late teenage looking boy in trouble with the jet-ski gang and the police looking on with a smile waiting for something.....

I did not advice the boy to contact the embassy as i was there with my young daughter and don't want to be in trouble together with a young kid.

Editor, ay i ask why you say to contact the embassy? Isn't it sad that even the media don't recommend to contact the police?

Editor: The embassies represent the best interests of the tourists and are highly influential. A telephone call to the Deputy PM from an ambassador actually achieves action sometimes. If enough people complain, change will follow.

Posted by KRR on December 30, 2009 09:07

Please note that many countries will not intervene on behalf of their nationals for incidents of this nature. Latin & Cental American countries are an example. Another is Canada. The canadian position is that it is not recommended to rent jetskis and that if something bad happens, the canadian should retain legal counsel. The Canadian embassy has not intervened on anyone's behalf. It is pathetic that the local authorities will not help tourists in trouble due to the government's refusal to regulate the jetskis or to enforce the laws.

Posted by Angry Person on December 30, 2009 12:43

I had a problem ... of a different kind - that meant going to the British Embassy. For all you Brits - if you have a problem get on with it. The Embassy doesn't give a crap.

Posted by Noddy on December 30, 2009 12:44

The usual damage scam is ongoing, only now instead of a loud kick off and intimidation the jetski boys are all 'shhh shhhh not make problem'.. This was recently witnessed and the police were stood not 30m away watching the whole thing happen.

They may have insurance but they are still hitting tourists up for the bill and the police still condone this activity.

Posted by LivinLOS on December 30, 2009 14:29

People should still boycott the Jet-skis, until such time as the TAT or Thai government reimburse those that have been ripped off! These scammers have been doing this for over 20years, firstly with the water-scooters and then later with the Jet-skis.

Posted by Antz Pantz on December 30, 2009 17:29

yes, people should boycott the jet-skis, but the younger ones want to have fun and enjoy the holiday. Same with the Tuk Tuks, all should boycott them, but how to get around ? Better to choose another holiday destination.

Posted by Gerd on December 30, 2009 21:26

If it is still going on and the police is not helping, then it is finally time they to send undercover agents from this fearful agency and rip out the roots.

Maybe we should start a awareness campaign and ask the airlines to give guidelines to the newbies one hour before landing. Then the tourists have time to read and are happy for some information. That would be a nice service and would improve the holidays for a lot of them.

Posted by Lena on December 30, 2009 22:44

Have just seen the new rules for hiring a jet-ski in a local Phuket publication. They are as follows:-

Lessee is liable for following charges, regardless if it was his/her fault or not

1) 1,000 baht towards the cost of repairs.

2) Loss of Use charges at the rate of 3,000 baht per day for a maximum of 5 days. (Maximum payable 15,000 to the Lessor)

3) If the jet-ski has overturned or sunk then there is a 3,000 baht charge for flushing the engine (payable to the Lessor)

This seems CRAZY and now allows the lessors to continue with their scams. As mentioned by quite a few of you there have been more scams going on since the insurance was introduced.

Instead of the 30-40,000 baht the tourists are now hit for 16,000-19,000 and it's all written down in legal rules.

Of course any jet-ski that was allegedly damaged would take a minimum week to fix right?! Hence the 15,000 straight away.

It is a complete joke!

DO NOT RENT JET SKIS

Posted by Emubob on December 31, 2009 12:39