Rip Off Jet Ski Operators

[oldsailor35]

Its about time that foreign countries put a warning up for their nationals visiting Thailand, not to use Jet Skies. There has been another case of theiving by these operators at Phuket.

Bht155 000, 00 was demanded and recieved from some French tourists for a new engine valued at Bht 33 000,00. Unwary tourists will continue to be cheated like this until their respective governments warn them. The Thai authorities are not interested in doing anything about it.

[Semper]

Stay away from Phuket

[TheLaughingMan]

Stay away from Thai people... oh wait...

[ozzieovaseas]

huh? whats this Bht155 000, 00

is that supposed to read Bht 15,500,000 or 155,000 or 15,500

[lectito]

Its about time that foreign countries put a warning up for their nationals visiting Thailand, not to use Jet Skies

Foreign countries have long warned people about jetski operators.

From the Australian travel advice:

Australian travellers have reported harassment and threats of violence by jet ski operators on tourist beaches, particularly in Phuket. Some travellers have reported that, after returning hired jet skis, they have been confronted by gangs claiming that the tourist damaged the jet ski. There have been reported instances of such gangs threatening violence, including at knifepoint, if a large sum of money in compensation for the alleged damage is not paid.

From the Canadian travel advice:

It has been reported that upon return of the rental, claims of damage allegedly caused by the renter have been made and some travellers have been harassed and threatened in an attempt to collect compensation for the alleged damage. In other cases, particularly with jet skis, it is alleged that accidents have been staged to create damage for which the rental company seeks compensation from the traveller. In cases of motorcycle rentals, some companies have been known to "steal" the motorcycle and claim for loss. When compensation is not collected, travellers often have difficultly retrieving their passport if it was left as collateral.

From the United Kingdom travel advice:

If you rent jet skis or water sports equipment, consider the dangers involved and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place. Rent only from reputable operators and insist on sufficient training before use. Ensure that the operator is licensed and has adequate insurance cover. Never hand over your passport as a guarantee against returning a jet ski. Unscrupulous owners have been known to hold on to passports against claimed damage to the jet ski.

From the United States travel advice:

Renting cars, motorbikes, and jet skis is a common practice in tourist areas. Many rental companies ask to hold your passport as a deposit. If there is damage to the rental vehicle, the company often holds the passport until you pay for the damage. For this reason, you should not use your passport as a deposit or collateral. Some companies have reportedly charged the renter for damage that he/she did not cause or have charged a high percentage of the vehicle's value for minor damage. You should be certain to examine the vehicle and note any pre-existing damage before operating the vehicle.

[bunnaag]

There should be only one advise,Do not rent jet skis ever.