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Beaches without jet-skis have more appeal to tourists these days

Phuket Jet-Ski Dispute Settled: Patong Police Admit Taking Passports in Error

Monday, April 2, 2012
PHUKET: Two Danish tourists established at the weekend that attempts at jet-ski scams continue on Phuket despite claims that an insurance scheme has brought all problems to an end.

Danish honorary consul Kennerth Karlsson, called in to help negotiate on Sunday, said that the two Danes had their passports confiscated and faced a demand from the jet-ski operators for an initial 150,000 baht in damages.

Eventual settlement of the claim for a total of 32,000 baht after a mediation session at Patong's Kathu Police Station was ''good but not perfect,'' he said.

The deal replicated another recent dispute at Karon - except that in the Patong dispute at the weekend, police seized the passports of the two Danes to make sure they did not flee before a settlement was reached.

After Mr Karlsson became involved on Sunday, he produced a letter from former Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong. The letter acknowleged that police only have the right to confiscate passports from visitors in cases where violence or a crime involving drugs is alleged.

Police in Patong on Sunday acknowledged the letter and returned the passports immediately. Mediating the settlement over the jet-ski damage took a little longer.

Mr Karlsson said that one of the people involved - the jet-ski owner and two operators were present - kept up a barrage of abuse and threats of violence of a kind that had begun on the beach when the damage was done.

''He was very, very angry,'' Mr Karlsson said. ''The Danes acknowledged that only one jet-ski was damaged but in the end paid 32,000 baht for damage to two to settle the matter.''

The total sum was to cover the cost of having two jet-skis out of action for possibly as many as five days at 3000 baht a day, with another 1000 baht for each jet-ski for paperwork.

The actual damage to the one jet-ski was ''minimal'' and well under the 50,000 baht covered by the universal insurance scheme for all Phuket jet-skis, Mr Karlsson said.

Tourists visiting Phuket are advised to note that even a small amount of damage to a jet-ski can trigger an incident in which threats and intimidation are liberally applied.

It was a similar situation on Karon beach recently when Russian tourists, while acknowledging liability, found themselves being asked for a large amount of money out of proportion to the damage.

Has the insurance scheme solved the jet-ski issue, as Phuket's honorary consuls were told at their last meeting in February?

No. Insurance only covers small amounts of damage - and jet-ski operators, it seems, are in some cases quick to exaggerate the compensation figure in the hope of making a hefty profit on the tourist's misfortune.

If two cases of attempted scams have come to the attention of Phuketwan within weeks, it's likely many more are taking place covertly on Phuket's beaches, insurance scheme or not.

The authorities involved say they never hear of these cases: perhaps it's time honorary consuls made sure those responsible are aware of what's going on - especially Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha.

More serious questioning about the jet-ski scams should come at the next honorary consuls' meeting, if not earlier.

The two Danes are still in Thailand but decided to leave Phuket immediately after being threatened some more by one of the jet-ski operators.

Comments

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I'm amazed that some of these jetskis are still afloat after all the 'damage' they have sustained over the years! Maybe the manufacturers should make a promotional video on Phuket extolling their virtues!!

Posted by Mister Ree on April 2, 2012 21:56

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Here we go again,to be honest they will never wipe out these scams there is just too much money to be made, by the way do the operators pay a fee for using the beach and the so called environmental impact that it may have on the beach area, it would be nice that these operators have to pay this now who is ripping who off, i wonder how they will scream for being ripped off, now the shoe is on the other foot.
I have said this before it wont be too long that tourists will get sick of this scam and stop coming. I will never hire a motor bike or a jet ski i have seen too much heartache.

Posted by Alex on April 2, 2012 22:43

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If I read this report correctly, the threats of violence were also made at the police station.

I would like to see someone in a position of authority asking the police to explain why such activity was allowed to continue right in front of their eyes.

In most countries that I'm familiar with, threats of violence or death are a criminal offence. Is that not the case in Thailand ?

It's time for Ambassadors to step in and act. These thugs and police are are making them appear utterly impotent.

Posted by Steve C. on April 3, 2012 00:02

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Police acknowledged? They returned the passports because they were with their back to the wall. Too many times they confiscate passports or driving licenses withut having the right to do this. People should be better informed.

Posted by Manneken Pis on April 3, 2012 00:10

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it is so easy. create a small website with a map of phuket.
and let victims make notes on it, where the rental companies are bad, possibly with some photos.
Suggestions for a name: jetskiphuhet.com

Posted by Robert on April 3, 2012 00:32

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Lifes are threatened, yet the Police who are there to witness this crime, do nothing.

What is the Police excuse for this blatant crime that they ignored?

Posted by Tbs on April 3, 2012 01:17

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Bad sign for the new police commander. Kathu police start to take away passports again. Letting people be verbally abused at the police station in "mediation" sessions. Let it happen that threats to the tourist make them flee Phuket afterwards. More then one step back. That is dark ages again.

The honorary consuls must think they are muppets to the Phuket authorities. They should not attempt that clownery with a vice-governor anymore. Its becoming a farce and they should not lend credibility to it. I really cannot hear anything more of them talking the nice talk. This meetings are helping nothing real to change. Lip service, minutes forging, not attending. That is it. Boycott it.

Posted by Lena on April 3, 2012 03:42

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ban all jet skies in phuket and the problem is solved naturally.

Posted by Anonymous on April 3, 2012 07:19

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It is amazing that people want to make a living this way and even more amazing if they can stand looking at themselves in the mirror :) Such a disgrace for themselves and their families one should think !

Posted by Bjarne on April 3, 2012 08:04

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The merry go round never stops. Stop the touriist hiring the jet skis and we can get rid of these rotten apples until they come up with another scam. Voilence seems to be a common thread with these people.Any tourist i know that comes to Phuket i advise them straight away do not hire jet skis no matter what.

Posted by chaseone on April 3, 2012 08:37

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"Police in Patong on Sunday acknowledged the letter and returned the passports immediately"

A copy of this letter is available ? Where to get, please?

Posted by Chris on April 3, 2012 09:35

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It is not only the police keeping passports. Two days ago I brought a friend to Phuket International Hospital. Even though they have the cost acceptance declaration and fax number of the health insurance they insisted on keeping the passport as security. While he is still in hospital his 90 day report is due, probably as well his extension stay. Not only Jet-Skis are a problem, hospitals as well.

Posted by Fritz Pinguin on April 3, 2012 10:05

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the only hope is that the karma will hit the jet ski gangsters. its a shame that they can destroy the image of thailand.

Posted by mike on April 3, 2012 18:05

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Personally I hope this drives a few more tourists - and the development they bring - away from our shores. Keep it up and Phuket will look as it did 20 years ago.

Posted by agogohome on April 3, 2012 18:06

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Remember when Jet Skis were supposed to be banned from Phuket beaches by 2008...yeah that happened just like the insurance scheme that ALL LEGAL operators were supposed to take was to get rid of Jet Ski scams. Bottom line, if you are a tourist to Phuket DO NOT HIRE A JET SKI.

Posted by Charles on April 3, 2012 21:31

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Whats the reasoning that keeps the insurance from also covering income lost while the jet skis are out for repair?

I really question if there really is any reputable insurance company that would insure jet skis without a hefty fee considering all the 'damage" they seem to suffer every day.

Posted by Mikey on April 4, 2012 05:10

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Well put Mike! But the question is: before to say, " they can destroy the image of Thailand," it would be interesting to know what is the right image of it?

Posted by Mario on April 4, 2012 08:32

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Well said Anonymous: once it's over you'll feel better!
Secondly, people are not allowed to hand the passport to police: it belongs to the Ministry of the Interior of the State who had issued it!

Posted by Mario on April 4, 2012 08:50

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I used to take my family to Phuket every year for 7-8 years until four years ago. Although I live in Thailand we now go to Spain or the Med/Red Sea for family get togethers. Quite simply, Phuket became quite a sinister place to visit. Tourist safety has no priority - just try crossing the road to discover that. I'm sure our 7000 baht a night rooms and 3000 baht a head restaurant tables are now being filled with Indians and Russians, who are equally replaceable in the minds of Phuket's administration.

Posted by Barry on April 6, 2012 14:48

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Geeeeez Barry - What did you eat 4 years ago for 3,000 baht per head?
Four of us can have a slap up meal in a good restaurant here in Isaan, and I'll even get change from 500 baht.

Posted by Pete on April 6, 2012 15:11

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@Pete: Must have been one of the places on the left side of the road on the way from Patong to Kalim, I guess...

Posted by Fritz Pinguin on April 6, 2012 20:01

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Nothing never changes in phuket

Posted by jamie on April 8, 2012 06:38

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Sure, banning jet skis would solve the problem but the problem is the endemic corruption in Phuket.

Posted by Anonymous on April 9, 2012 12:20


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