'Jet-Ski JJ' Scam Thugs Scare Aussies off Phuket
By Alan Morison Tuesday, March 8, 2011
WINAI ''JJ'' Naiman led a gang of jet-ski operators who intimidated three young Australian backpackers on Patong beach and demanded almost 100,000 baht for damage to two jet-skis, an American police volunteer said today.
The backpackers - two young women and their male companion - were terrified by the experience yesterday and will never again return to Thailand, said Brady Battmer, a futures trader back in the US.
He is also planning to quit Phuket because ''the criminals are loose on the beaches.''
''JJ'' Naiman, who manages the operations of a group of jet-skis on Patong and became the focus of a controversial television series two years ago, sought 97,000 baht in compensation when the backpackers damaged the two jet-skis they had been riding.
The Australians admitted the damage but were not willing to pay such a large amount, said Mr Battmer, who was called in as a volunteer liaison officer with the Region 8 Phuket Provincial Police.
''Seven or eight of these guys surrounded the backpackers and the two young women were so terrified I do not think they will ever return to Thailand,'' Mr Battmer said.
''They just wanted to get the hell off Phuket.''
The jet-ski operators did not want the three tourists to leave the beach or contact police. Only after a deal of resistance did ''JJ'' and his friends accompany the backpackers and Mr Battmer to the police box at the beach end of Soi Bangla, the American volunteer said.
''I really don't like getting involved because it's dangerous,'' Mr Battmer said. ''But somebody had to do something.''
The jet-ski operators continued their intimidation on the walk to the police box, where police also took considerable persuading before they called for transport that took the group to Patong's Kathu Police Station.
Eventually, after the jet-ski operators brought the damaged jet-skis to the police station, the backpackers were content to hand over 23,000 baht to the jet-ski operators and 5000 baht to the police, Mr Battmer said.
''The violence is becoming more obvious and widespread,'' said Mr Battmer, who added that ''JJ'' referred to himself as ''King of the beach.''
''Someone is going to get killed one of these days,'' said Mr Battmer, who has been coming to Thailand since 1995.
''It's plain that the authorities don't take these issues seriously and that nothing is going to change,'' Mr Battmer said. ''I am sad for Thailand, but it's no longer the land of smiles.
''Before long, a tourist will be killed in one of these extortions on the beach, and that will mean the end of tourism on Phuket.''
Futures trader Mr Battmer is trading in his Phuket future: he doesn't aim to return to Phuket when he leaves for the final time in about six weeks.
He plans to abandon his annual long-stay visits to Phuket from Kansas City. He no longer likes what he sees.
In 2009, dramatic footage of Mr Naiman holding a gun as he asked for money from British marines for a jet-ski he said had been damaged caused a sensation on Phuket when it was screened on British television.
The incident and the coverage led to the introduction of a compulsory insurance scheme for Phuket's jet-skis.
No action was taken against Mr Naiman because he said the incident was playacting for the cameras. The makers of the documentary said the footage was genuine. A Phuketwan journalist in Patong encounters JJ Naiman engaged in a mediation debate with a Russian tourist at Kathu Police Station. After a lengthy mediation, the tourist pays up.
Riled Phuket Tourist Pays Extra Jet-Ski Charge
Phuket Tourists Irked by Jet-Ski JJ 'Extra' Payment
Latest A tourist among a large group from Malaysia and Singapore has complained about extra payments demanded on Phuket for jet ski ''damage.''
Phuket Tourists Irked by Jet-Ski JJ 'Extra' Payment
Jet-Ski JJ Case Delayed as Scam Plot Thickens
Latest The court case involving jet ski operator Winai ''JJ'' Naiman has been postponed as local authorities and Phuket's jet ski industry prepare for a key meeting.
Jet-Ski JJ Case Delayed as Scam Plot Thickens
Two Aussie Tourists Knifed: Patong Tuk-Tuk Thugs Accused of Attack
Breaking News Australian tourists say a tuktuk gang set upon them in Patong, knifing two young men and putting them in hospital. The incident is likely to intensify concerns about safety and security.
Two Aussie Tourists Knifed: Patong Tuk-Tuk Thugs Accused of Attack
Phuket Jet-Ski Scammers 'Rip Off 150,000 Baht'
Patong Rip Offs Tourists are scammed of 150,000 baht as the meeting between honorary consuls and the Governor is asked: ''We've had this problem for 10 years. When will it end?''
Phuket Jet-Ski Scammers 'Rip Off 150,000 Baht'
Aussies 'Ripped Off' in Phuket Jet-Ski Scam
Latest A family group of 13 Australians found that they had to pay a total of 72,500 baht to a jet-ski operator who alleged that jetskis had been damaged. The Aussies say they were ripped off.
Aussies 'Ripped Off' in Phuket Jet-Ski Scam
Phuket's Uninsured Jet-Skis Outnumber Insured
Latest Two more deaths on a jetski at Patong are likely to intensify pressure to make Phuket's jetskis safe or get rid of them. Less than half the jetskis are insured, an investigation reveals.
Phuket's Uninsured Jet-Skis Outnumber Insured
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
Thank you Phuketwan for reporting this.
I feel so sad that Phuket's authorities are not willing to address this damaging problems and control those people.
I also wonder why Baht 5000 had to be paid to the police... Surely the explanation will be that the Bht. 5,000 has been a donation which should be accepted as now even the immigration counters at Phuket (when leaving Phuket) do have boxes asking for "donations" to 'improve the service'.
So sad.....
Posted by
Mr. K
on
March 8, 2011 18:56
This is just unbelievable!...Mr Battmer is right...Someone is going to get killed...It's very obvious that its heading in that direction, and very quickly..After endless stories about these scams not mention, the King of the Beach, JJ "the loose cannon" Naiman over looking his domain....The inevitable murder is going to take place...and this, sadly, will turn this island paradise upside down for a long time. It's so difficult to believe that the police and other authorities here believe and act as though these hideous crimes will have no affect on tourism and of course the money that pours into this place everyday....where are the priorities????....Very shameful and very sad....Where is the Mayor and why isn't he kicking some a**
Posted by
sky
on
March 8, 2011 19:28
Like a lot of people I've been coming to Phuket twice a year for the past six years. Guess what; I'm done! I don't use jet skis, so I don't have to deal with JJ and his ilk, but I do walk the beach and have seen the intimidation on almost a daily basis. There are plenty of other places in the world where travelers can spend their money without dealing this type of BS.
Posted by
Had Enough?
on
March 8, 2011 20:29
@the backpackers were content to hand over 23,000 baht to the jet-ski operators and 5000 baht to the police.
So Patong police love to share profit at the expense of tourists. Amazing.
JJ is a bad boy and a bad boy will be a bad boy forever; so remove him from business by asking the Revenue Department to plan a full investigation of his yearly income to tax him as he deserves.
Posted by
Whistle-Blower
on
March 8, 2011 21:27
When will the authorities ever.. let us say stop this bandit from doing his business? He is a big shame and he is allowed to continue and the police assists him to get too much money in the end anyway and of course the police got their well earned 5000. This is so obvious. Sorry Phuket. You are going down in your own greed.
Posted by
Hockey
on
March 8, 2011 23:41
Had a friend with bad experiences in Phuket of all the other safe asian experiences I believe I will pass this year also. Philippines is a safer play area and nicer beaches
Posted by
Mike
on
March 9, 2011 04:27
Thanks but you will not see me in the Philippines, they carry real guns there and you are a real target.
Posted by
Lord Jim
on
March 9, 2011 07:10
A tourist destination which doesn't protect its tourists doesn't deserve any tourists and will die a natural death. It's simple really, and Phuket's future - unless something changes drastically - is plain to see.
Posted by
Tourist by Profession
on
March 9, 2011 08:51
In Pattaya...Tourists and ExPats have taken the situation into their own hands, investigating and forcing the mayor to act.
Sad indeed.
Posted by
Paul
on
March 9, 2011 09:01
This is a never ending story .. Why don't we get an interview with the responsible police authority in Phuket so that they can explain why this kind of behavior is tolerated ?
Posted by
Bjarne
on
March 9, 2011 09:30
I don't see what the big fuss is. JJ is clearly just an astute and successful businessman.
They should make him governor so the island can really get a representative leader.
Posted by
Rob
on
March 9, 2011 09:32
Simple solution to the jet ski problem. Don't rent jet skis...anyone who rents a jet ski in Phuket is asking for problems.
Posted by
William Tell
on
March 9, 2011 10:32
Re Simple solution William Tell, your solution is only half baked.
Can you please tell us your Simple Solution To get the message across to every visitor to Thailand ?
Posted by
mal c
on
March 9, 2011 11:11
In reply to Mai C....
I would suggest that one spends a little time on the internet and research the places you would like to visit, and the type of activities you intend to participate in before you embark on a vacation to any country. I am sure that most people do this anyway.
The Phuket jet ski thugs have copious amounts of material written about them on the internet that is easy to find and available for anyone to read. Anyone that still goes ahead and rents a jet ski from them is putting themselves at risk and asking for trouble.
Posted by
William Tell
on
March 9, 2011 12:15
Glad I live in Khao Lak. Here are no jet ski aloud, same as sunbeds on the beach. When I go in the week-ends with my son to beach we can walk freely without someone harassing us and we can go swim without to worry someone with a jet ski will hit us. The king of the beach is, for that moment, my six year old son.
Posted by
Abe
on
March 9, 2011 12:18
There are no jet skis on Phang Nga.
There's no way to reform Phuket's jet ski problem, and there isn't any talk this time of "reform" or "lost jobs" for the poor helpless gangsters that "might resort to worse crimes if they were displaced".
(moderated)
Posted by
JingJing
on
March 9, 2011 12:24
Cheers to Brady!
He says what so many people think and not say. Those thugs are destroying the reputation and with that the only industry on Phuket; tourisme.
Sort out the jet skis (the 7 years grace period is over!!), the tuk tuks and several other rotten parts.
If the only reason to allow those businesses is that it is to protect the 'rights' of the local Phuketian people, it is time that national authorities step up and get Phuket back on the right track. Yesterday would be better than today for this!
(moderated)
Posted by
Manuel
on
March 9, 2011 13:06
Ah... didn't I say after the French Tourists got ripped off a couple of weeks ago that we'd be reading the same story again very soon.
@Ed... any chance of one of you guys popping off down to the Police Station and asking them to explain what the 5,000 Baht was for and publishing the response? I guess not and I don't blame you.
I'm guessing Mr Larry Cunningham will have his head in his hands wondering what he can do... Well I think it's obvious. Mr C, time to have a serious word with the Australian Government seeking to impose a ban on carriers landing in Thailand.
What? Not feasible? Consider the lack of action when one of your citizens is murdered - the Australian public won't cast blame on the Thai Thugs, they'll direct it at the authorities, because the Aus Gov, along with all other Governments, should be doing more to protect its citizens abroad (even if that is through greater media attention to bring greater knowledge). There is ONLY ONE WAY to put a stop to this and that's to turn your backs. Starve them out.
I fully appreciate that the role of the HC's is to help create tourism but let's face the facts, nothing ever gets done, you're just flogging a dead horse. Don't believe me.. OK let's look at the facts.
1. Tuk Tuks - Still ripping people off and stabbing tourists.
2. Parking in Patong - Nope all lip service, never got sorted out.
3. JetSki - Compulsory insurance, nope just more lip service. Even have a 7 year deadline coming up which is what... yes, more lip service.
The list can go on... You just have to realise whatever the Thai Authorities say they are going to do will just be plain lip service.
Posted by
Graham
on
March 9, 2011 14:19
Editor Comment:
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade did not even respond to Phuketwan's latest request to interview Mr Cunningham about jet-skis and other aspects of tourism safety, so it's difficult to know whether Australia's Government is concerned or not to prevent the deaths of its citizens, or whether personalities within the department get in the way.
There is no indication that the Thai authorities are fobbing off the honorary consuls. Progress is slow but the mechanisms for change are beginning to appear. Rather than just be a doomsaying critic, Graham, what are you doing to facilitate improvements? You are welcome to go to the police station and ask questions - don't let us stop you.
What is really amazing here is that the local society accepts losses of billions, because a few can score millions
Posted by
Hotel Owner in Patong
on
March 9, 2011 16:46
Editor Comment:
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade did not even respond to Phuketwan's latest request to interview Mr Cunningham about jet-skis and other aspects of tourism safety, so it's difficult to know whether Australia's Government is concerned or not to prevent the deaths of its citizens, or whether personalities within the department get in the way.
Maybe Mr ED, Maybe, Mr Cunningham has read your frequent verbals on all and sundry and decided that Phuket Wan is not really worth commenting to....
Posted by
david
on
March 9, 2011 17:25
Editor Comment:
Like most intelligent people, david, Mr Cunningham is happy to have a conversation with me. He does not have permission, though, from Canberra. The last time we talked, it actually did some good and the interview was republished in an Australian newspaper. The Labor Government appears unhappy to let Mr Cunningham warn Aussies about Phuket's pitfalls. I suspect someone in the department is bitter and twisted, and so everyone suffers.
This topic is so boring to comment, that I spare a thought.
I guess I am thaied.
Posted by
Lena
on
March 9, 2011 20:15
Advice to visitors: never ever pay !
We did not after "damage" (caused by themselves), and were able to have the jet-skis confiscated for a few days by the police. Just escalate to the main police office, the governor, involve the media, tourist police and your embassy (they will inform you about a good lawyer). But better: do not rent anything from these people.
Posted by
Mix
on
March 10, 2011 07:13
Editor Comment:
First, call your honorary consul on Phuket, if you have one. Once money changes hands, it's too late.
These incidents happen on Patong Beach every day and have done so for years. Now the tourists are prevented from going to the police. The police if located, call in foreign volunteers to sort out the problem. This is absolutely ridiculous. Why are foreign volunteers putting their lives at risk to protect the tourists, while the regular police are busy issuing tickets to foreign motor cyclists for minor offences? It is time TAT got involved, before swanning off abroad luring more tourists to an unknown fate.
Posted by
Sandy Shores
on
March 10, 2011 13:17
Editor Comment:
The TAT is a marketing organisation, not a law enforcement arm. The vast majority of tickets issued to motorcyclists go to Thais. The ''fate'' of most tourists who visit Phuket is to enjoy their holiday without any problems.
If these jet ski criminals not stop this, this would be the end of tourism to Phuket.
Personally, I have three friends who changed their destination from Patong to Pan Thiep, South Vietnam.
So may in Europe now are afraid of coming to Thailand now, nearly everyday there are some negative writing of Thailand in the European newspapers.
So now, Governor of Phuket, stop the jet-skis now before Phuket will suffer more negative writing and loss of tourists.
Posted by
jet ski hater
on
March 10, 2011 14:52
Editor Comment:
There's no indication that the jet-ski scams are affecting the flow of tourists to Phuket. If there are 50 rip-offs every month, it's worth remembering that more than 400,000 arrive at Phuket airport in that time. The rip-offs needs to be stopped, but let's keep the problem in perspective.
Ed, for your info: 'The TAT is a marketing organisation, not a law enforcement arm'. The TAT are responsible for running the Tourist Police.
"The vast majority of tickets issued to motorcyclists go to Thais" I do not believe this is true in Patong.
"The ''fate'' of most tourists who visit Phuket is to enjoy their holiday without any problems." Agreed, but there are too many people who have a very bad time here and something should be done about this.
Posted by
Sandy Shores
on
March 10, 2011 15:40
Editor Comment:
There is no connection between the Tourist Police and the TAT. The Tourist Police are an arm of the Royal Thai Police.
what's happening in phuket, tuk tuk m****, jet ski m**** and police afraid from them?
Posted by
john
on
March 12, 2011 21:43
Do the likes of Lonely Planet guidebooks warn of these dangers?
If not someone email them and have them issue a warning.
It would be great if some local foreigners could post warnings of these thieves.
Posted by
dd
on
March 13, 2011 17:56
The only people I see being harassed by police with any regularity are the lower income Thai motorcycle riders. I don't see autos being pulled over en mass, ever.
Posted by
Cap't. Kirk
on
March 14, 2011 09:56
Editor Comment:
As someone who has been booked for a passenger not wearing a seatbelt, I can tell you police do look at cars as well. Fortunately there was no waft of ya bah as we wound down the windows.
Vote with your feet and put your hard earned tourist dollars elswhere; in your own pockets or bank account. Start a holiday fund for 10 years. do local holidaying nearby, save the international airfare.You will have greater satisfaction seeing an accumulation of funds rather than being fleeced at every turn abroad.
Posted by
dexter
on
March 15, 2011 07:24
Anyone who gets on a jet-ski here deserve what they get.. and mr battmer pls close the door on the way out! zzZZZZ
Posted by
plop plob
on
March 15, 2011 18:15
Editor Comment:
Nobody ever ''deserves what they get.''
It would appear that there are quite a number of Australians who do not understand the culture of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This cumbersome and somewhat dysfunctional organisation is a reactionary department of government. That is, it will act AFTER the event, not as a preventative BEFORE the event. It has a very long history of so doing.
The Thai authorities for the most part do not give a fig about the health and safety of farangs. It is just their money that concerns them.
If in any doubt about that, just look very carefully at the unfolding scenario in Chiang Mai regarding the five "mysterious" deaths of farangs, with some of the most farcical excuses imaginable being publicly issued by the CM authorities for their demise.
If you plan on going to Phuket, expect to be scammed, suckered, ripped off, possible mugged, possibly stabbed and if you are foolish enough to wander along the Patong Beach expect to meet Mr JJ and his associates at any given time.
And you call that a holiday?????
Posted by
Mike
on
March 16, 2011 12:31
Editor Comment:
Not much point, Mike, in exaggeration the dangers of encountering scamsters and violence on Phuket. It's fairly rare, but it shouldn't happen in a holiday haven. And 99.9 percent of holidaymakers don't have difficulties. I've had good experiences with DFAT Putting a block on the local honorary consul helping to prevent Aussies from getting into trouble seems at odds with their prime objective.
i have vistied thailand 4 times, JJ is a very good friend of mine and during my visits i spend alot of time with him.
If you were a business owner and someone walked into your shop and damaged your belongings u were trying to sell you too would demand money.
The media in the brittish case made him look like a bad person when he was asked to act in a certain way for the documentry what they don't tell you is he is currently in a battle for a lot of money as there were people conferming the whole episode was set up. He would not hurt tourist especially australians with out them he would have no income but he still needs to protect his business like anyone any one in the world would do.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
March 17, 2011 05:07
jj is lovely person and was great friend to my family and myself, people need to understand that is their lively hood and who is going to pay for the repairs to fix their jet-skis, not insurance like any other country, I find jj a reasonable person.
Posted by
Julie
on
March 17, 2011 06:06
JJ is an awesome guy.
After going for the first time last year we met JJ on the beach. He then took care of us, drove us around and showed us all the local spots.
We saw these people that destroy the jet skis and think they can get away with it while we were there. They think that it will just be ok, but this is these guys business and its not just JJ who makes his living off Jet Ski it is a whole series of locals.
People need to settle down, Thailand is only dangerous if you make it and try and rip the locals off. Someone destroyed your car you would want it fixed.
Be back to see JJ soon.
Posted by
Nicki
on
March 17, 2011 06:10
@ Editor - Re the last 3 posts. Looks like JJ is on to you, and has mobilised the troops. I smell spam!
Posted by
dan
on
March 17, 2011 07:08
Editor Comment:
What does spam smell like? We welcome various opinions. Let's not overdo the attention to JJ, though. There is no doubt that some jet-ski operators are honest. Others are not.
Spam smells like boiled and salted spiced ham that's been in a tin for a long time
So, you're saying JJ's one of the honest ones?
Allow me to answer my own question. JJ must be one of the honest ones, because 3 different and clearly unrelated people wrote in within the space of about an hour yesterday, and said that he was. Right?
Posted by
dan
on
March 17, 2011 08:46
Not much of a reply for Dans comment eh editor? 555
I would be curious to find out if the IP's are different & if the IP's are based in Thailand - Not that anyone would trust what the editor says.
Posted by
Joel M
on
March 17, 2011 09:38
Editor Comment:
We don't divulge that kind of information, Joel, nor do we tolerate fools.
What's up there with the three cheerleaders for lovely Mr. JJ? He must have gotten media-savvy and employed some North Korean PR folks. I bet JJ also helps elderly farang ladies across the street and single-handedly finances a Thai orphanage.
Posted by
Tourist by Profession
on
March 17, 2011 10:10
If anything, these sudden Pro-JJ posts show that even JJ reads PhuketWan.
He is obviously concerned but befitting his ego, the posts are supposedly made by women.
Judging from the lousy spelling he could not drum up anyone to help him to make those posts though. Go figure.
Posted by
Chris
on
March 17, 2011 10:15
Uncanny time stamps on the 3 jj positive replies!!
Posted by Anonymous on March 17, 2011 05:07
Posted by Julie on March 17, 2011 06:06
Posted by Nicki on March 17, 2011 06:10
Posted by
Mr. J
on
March 17, 2011 11:11
How long till you sell up then, Alan?
Posted by
Joel M
on
March 17, 2011 12:53
Editor Comment:
I didn't realise you were such an enormous fan of Phuketwan, Joel. What are you offering?
Actually I'm Australian. Haven't been paid off.
And sorry I'm not as educated as you to have perfect spelling.
Posted by
Nicki
on
March 17, 2011 13:05
Editor Comment:
Julia Gillard wasn't great on education, was she? As long as you say what you believe, Nicki, that's the main thing.
Time stamps are due to the fact that we all know each other and received a link to this article at the same time. Trust me, we are different people.
Posted by
Nicki
on
March 17, 2011 13:08
Editor Comment:
Conspiracy theorists, shame on you.
When jj shows you the greatest hospitality you've ever had in a foreign country than of course you'll know everything that's being said on here about him is rubbish.
Posted by
Kelli
on
March 17, 2011 13:08
This whole situation is getting ridiculous.
Surely it is time to ban Australians from Phuket?
Posted by
Rob
on
March 17, 2011 13:55
ed I am not sure if you want to put this in comments or else where but up to you.
mal
The Mayor of Pattaya is taking action Phuket needs the same.
http://www.pattayamail.com/localnews/mayor-declares-war-on-scamming-pattaya-jet-ski-vendors-2140
Posted by
malc
on
March 17, 2011 21:01
Hello Julie...you posted this..... people need to understand that is their lively hood and who is going to pay for the repairs to fix their jet-skis, not insurance like any other country, I find jj a reasonable person.
did JJ forget to tell you this?....
Phuket's Jet-Skis: Insurance Deal Ends Crisis
By Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A DEAL was signed today that makes it compulsory for all Phuket jet-skis to be insured. The signing ends a series of crisis meetings that followed claims that tourists have frequently been scammed over jet-ski ''damage.''
Even Saddam had admirers...but that doesn't make either of them nice guys!
Posted by
davidj
on
March 17, 2011 21:08
What is it with this guy JJ. He runs an extortion gang on the beach and the police don't do anything about him.
Posted by
Karl
on
March 19, 2011 10:52
More to the point karlas you said "What is it with this guy JJ." The bigger point is "What is it with the police?"
Posted by
davidj
on
March 19, 2011 19:34
5000 to the cops? That must be the negotiation fee for lessening the total amount payable. T.I.T. and nothing's going to change.
Posted by
Junior
on
March 22, 2011 08:38
Editor Comment:
''Nothing's going to change.'' That's what they said in Tunisa, Egypt and Libya, and what they're not saying quite so loudly in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria and Saudi Arabia. Everything changes eventually, once minds open to possibilities. Incidentally, T.I.T. isn't typed much these days because it's a mantra whose time has passed.T.I.T. was the rather lame lament of the hopeless and the helpless, and it's good that it's now dead and buried.
I have read all the comments that everyone has said about partong beach and jj the thug (so called) we are australians we have freedom of choice to were we travel, if you want a cheap holiday travel to Asia. I am a matured aged woman who found jj great help as I commented in previous reply, if you are really concerned about thialand what about the parents that drug their children to sell souvenirs, jj is highly against this and encourage you not to buy from these people. Think about all the bad in the world and he is just protecting his bosses property and the beach peoples jobs. Ps I know my spelling and wording isn't the best
Posted by
Julie
on
March 22, 2011 18:13
@Julie,@Nicki,
-just because JJ was *nice* to you doesn't mean anything.
Things are constantly coming into being, and ceasing to be. Nothing lasts.
Posted by
JingJing
on
March 22, 2011 21:37
is anybody out here less lazy than me? if so, you might consider contacting the 45 airlines that fly into phuket and request that they warn people about jet skis, tuk tuks and riptides...
Posted by
zor
on
August 3, 2011 11:10
I recently booked (airfare from Los Angeles) for a holiday on Phuket for myself and 3 family members and did a web search for travel tips on Bangkok & Phuket.
I stumbled across the whole JJ JetSki Scam and the footage from "Big Trouble in Thailand". What a horror story.
I read more and saw how the Thai Govt. had cleaned it up following that incident, but then reading recent reports showed JJ back at his scamming ways in 2011 so for me that was the last straw.
I called my travel agent and cancelled the trip even though I'm incurring a cancellation fee.
What an abomination for the Thai Government and Thai Police etc to let this continue.
I simply cannot justify bringing my children to this kind of beach.
Posted by
Anthony
on
December 1, 2011 14:44
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Thank you Phuketwan for reporting this.
I feel so sad that Phuket's authorities are not willing to address this damaging problems and control those people.
I also wonder why Baht 5000 had to be paid to the police... Surely the explanation will be that the Bht. 5,000 has been a donation which should be accepted as now even the immigration counters at Phuket (when leaving Phuket) do have boxes asking for "donations" to 'improve the service'.
So sad.....
Posted by Mr. K on March 8, 2011 18:56