A PAIR of Australian tourists who deliberately rammed Patong jet-skis into each other have paid up 80,000 baht to settle the case, Phuketwan has learned.

The men were initially asked to pay 250,000 baht by Patong jet-ski operators to cover the cost of the damage, say sources at Patong.

It is believed that the men acknowledged they were at fault, settled for the 80,000 baht figure, and planned on moving to another beach to avoid encountering the jet-ski operators during what remains of their holiday.

The men wanted the dispute settled quickly, said a source at Kathu Police Station. A new jet-ski costs upwards of 300,000 baht.

Another dispute between holidaymakers and jet-ski operators, this time at Bang Tao beach, about 20 kilometres north of Patong, saw a claim for an extra payment reduced from 15,000 baht to 10,000 baht.

Last week's ''Phuket Parliament'' gathering between honorary consuls and embassy representatives and Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha and island leaders in Phuket City heard that jet-skis are still a regular source of complaints from tourists.

The meeting also heard that not all visitors to Phuket are innocent victims, and that there are times when tourists give exaggerated accounts when problems arise.

The ''world first'' jet-ski insurance scheme, introduced 12 months ago by former Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob, has failed to prevent extra claims being made for damages or for the time that jet-skis spend out of the water in repair.

The jet-ski insurance is continuing but it is believed that some operators are reluctant to renew. Not all jet-skis operating at Patong beach are registered.