Photo via Facebook/ Sun Tanapol Kongboonvijit

 

A Thai rescuer recently accused a boat owner in Hat Yai, Songkhla, of charging an exorbitant fee of 50,000 baht to rent a vessel for flood rescue operations. The accusation came from Punchita Vanapitakvong via Facebook, stating that she was met with an unexpected demand while arranging a boat to assist victims of severe flooding in the area. This incident has sparked criticism, especially as it involves life-saving efforts during a crisis.

 

Punchita shared her experience of being asked to pay the high fee, which led her to seek alternative assistance. Fortunately, she found a supportive boat owner from Nakhon Si Thammarat who offered his boats, asking only for fuel costs. This generous individual sent one boat initially and dispatched two additional boats the following day, highlighting a contrasting spirit of community support.

 

Tanapol Kongboonvijit, who shared Punchita’s story online, contributed 10,000 baht to cover fuel expenses. Punchita reported an influx of offers to help, indicating a strong public willingness to assist despite the challenges posed. However, the situation brought to light other pressing issues as the Cyber Police issued warnings on November 26 about scams exploiting the flood crisis.

 

Authorities cautioned the public about fraudulent donation campaigns, emphasizing the importance of donating through trusted channels. Citizens were advised to verify the legitimacy of fundraising initiatives via official websites or certified social media accounts. The police recommended using their application for background checks on campaign organizers and bank account verification, aiming to prevent exploitation during emergencies.

 

In response to misinformation, officials urged the public to avoid spreading unverified news about the flooding. The government has actively dispelled several false reports, such as rumors of mass casualties and shortages at Hat Yai Hospital, and a fictitious helicopter crash. Ensuring accurate information is shared remains a priority to maintain public trust and effective disaster response, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• A boat owner demanded a high fee for renting a vessel to help flood victims.
• A generous alternative was found, illustrating community support.
• Authorities are warning about scams and urging verification of donation sources.

 

Related Stories

Rescue Boat Capsizes During Search for Drowning Victim in Nakhon Si Thammarat

71-Year-Old Woman Dies After Rescue Boat Capsizes in Chiang Saen Area

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-11-26

 

 

 

Thai people love Thai people.... indeed but if money is involved the people with money are loved and helped and those without have to wait.. they don't care about them.. same in accidents.. higher educated people will receive more money in an accident than low educated people.. But everyone is equal is the slogan always but in reality not true... and besides that the people who ask money for rescues or helped should be prosecuted for inhumanity

Sorry but not surprised

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13 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thai people love Thai people.... indeed but if money is involved the people with money are loved and helped and those without have to wait.. they don't care about them.. same in accidents.. higher educated people will receive more money in an accident than low educated people.. But everyone is equal is the slogan always but in reality not true... and besides that the people who ask money for rescues or helped should be prosecuted for inhumanity

100% true story.

Well, he is the boat owner. While it might be very wrong out of a moral aspect, I will find it very hard for them to do anything real about it. He must be in his right to charge his price for his services. A very bad man, but well within his rights as people buying the services can say no.

some dishonest  people are ready to make money from a distaster. People who take advantage of the people in distress should be exposed in the media and prosecuted

 

 Controversy Over Rescue Boat Fees Amid Thai Floods. 

 

Yep ,Never waste an opportunity to make money. Greed and greed 

29 minutes ago, digger70 said:

 Controversy Over Rescue Boat Fees Amid Thai Floods. 

 

Yep ,Never waste an opportunity to make money. Greed and greed 

What a pity that you omitted to mention that it was ONLY 1 person and 1 boat. The lady went to the first person who wanted to charge too much. She found another boat owner who only wanted the fuel cost covered for 3 boats.

\

That would not fit with your post it seems, so you blame ALL Thais for being greedy.

 

Snip from the OP

 

"Punchita shared her experience of being asked to pay the high fee, which led her to seek alternative assistance. Fortunately, she found a supportive boat owner from Nakhon Si Thammarat who offered his boats, asking only for fuel costs. This generous individual sent one boat initially and dispatched two additional boats the following day, highlighting a contrasting spirit of community support".

4 minutes ago, billd766 said:

What a pity that you omitted to mention that it was ONLY 1 person and 1 boat. The lady went to the first person who wanted to charge too much. She found another boat owner who only wanted the fuel cost covered for 3 boats.

\

That would not fit with your post it seems, so you blame ALL Thais for being greedy.

 

Snip from the OP

 

"Punchita shared her experience of being asked to pay the high fee, which led her to seek alternative assistance. Fortunately, she found a supportive boat owner from Nakhon Si Thammarat who offered his boats, asking only for fuel costs. This generous individual sent one boat initially and dispatched two additional boats the following day, highlighting a contrasting spirit of community support".

 

Slow down , I never said that all Thais were greedy it was a  general  saying  referring to All the Greedy corrupt people  as   one Knows  that there  Millions  in all walks off life .

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

• Authorities are warning about scams and urging verification of donation sources.

 

 

I love it - Thais scamming their fellow citizens!

The same thing happened in the BKK 2011 floods - people with boats ripping others off... 

 

Immoral opportunism....  & we have at least one poster here who seems to think this is 'well within the boat owners rights' - which indicates the deplorable moral compass some possess.

 

 

 

An off topic deflection post about the pharmaceutical industry in the US has been removed as this topic is about:

 

Controversy Over Rescue Boat Fees Amid Thai Floods

I don’t see much mention of army , navy and police presence? Don’t they have a Red Cross type organization ? From the papers there’s mention of chaos and lack of help.