Honorary Consuls Meet In Phuket To Discuss Jetskis, Pollution And Tuk Tuk Mafia

[katabeachbum]

now i realize why the raw sewage story is such a concern for the Phuket authorities... it will definitely cut into the extortion revenue of the jet-ski scams if tourists don't go in the water....and then a lot tea money won't get distributed up the food chain....

Some of my neighbors, actually quiet a few of them, are jet ski operators on Kata Beach. There is no reason to think any money "gets distributed up the food chain". Each jetski is owned by a single owner, he has one employee working all day on the beach, and income is used to take care of his family.

Unlike the tuk-tuks, where more than 80% of the vehicles are owned by 3 men, and each driver pays a fortune each month to rent/operate it

[steelepulse]

now i realize why the raw sewage story is such a concern for the Phuket authorities... it will definitely cut into the extortion revenue of the jet-ski scams if tourists don't go in the water....and then a lot tea money won't get distributed up the food chain....

Some of my neighbors, actually quiet a few of them, are jet ski operators on Kata Beach. There is no reason to think any money "gets distributed up the food chain". Each jetski is owned by a single owner, he has one employee working all day on the beach, and income is used to take care of his family.

Unlike the tuk-tuks, where more than 80% of the vehicles are owned by 3 men, and each driver pays a fortune each month to rent/operate it

Are you sure about that kbb? I witnessed a fleecing of some middle eastern younger kids and the bib's showed up, the kids tried to leave, the bib's followed them into a tuk tuk along with the jet ski boys and they all took off heading directly to the atm. I personally did not see any money change hands, but I can't believe the bibs showed up as quick as they did and just felt like they should escort these kids to the atm as part of doing their job.

[katabeachbum]

now i realize why the raw sewage story is such a concern for the Phuket authorities... it will definitely cut into the extortion revenue of the jet-ski scams if tourists don't go in the water....and then a lot tea money won't get distributed up the food chain....

Some of my neighbors, actually quiet a few of them, are jet ski operators on Kata Beach. There is no reason to think any money "gets distributed up the food chain". Each jetski is owned by a single owner, he has one employee working all day on the beach, and income is used to take care of his family.

Unlike the tuk-tuks, where more than 80% of the vehicles are owned by 3 men, and each driver pays a fortune each month to rent/operate it

Are you sure about that kbb? I witnessed a fleecing of some middle eastern younger kids and the bib's showed up, the kids tried to leave, the bib's followed them into a tuk tuk along with the jet ski boys and they all took off heading directly to the atm. I personally did not see any money change hands, but I can't believe the bibs showed up as quick as they did and just felt like they should escort these kids to the atm as part of doing their job.

local police will always help locals when having a problem, and on occasions there may be a kick back. If there is a kick back it usually happens over a drink at one of the locals. Policeofficers cant live from 8k baht/month salaries alone.

But it is not organized as with the tuk-tuks

[Mugg]

Does anyone know the original name of the documentary and the date when it will be aired? Haven't really heard about anything that would be translated as "We save our Vacation" although I guess it must be something like "Wir sparen uns den Urlaub".

Das ist ein grosse turd , bitte

[steelepulse]

now i realize why the raw sewage story is such a concern for the Phuket authorities... it will definitely cut into the extortion revenue of the jet-ski scams if tourists don't go in the water....and then a lot tea money won't get distributed up the food chain....

Some of my neighbors, actually quiet a few of them, are jet ski operators on Kata Beach. There is no reason to think any money "gets distributed up the food chain". Each jetski is owned by a single owner, he has one employee working all day on the beach, and income is used to take care of his family.

Unlike the tuk-tuks, where more than 80% of the vehicles are owned by 3 men, and each driver pays a fortune each month to rent/operate it

Are you sure about that kbb? I witnessed a fleecing of some middle eastern younger kids and the bib's showed up, the kids tried to leave, the bib's followed them into a tuk tuk along with the jet ski boys and they all took off heading directly to the atm. I personally did not see any money change hands, but I can't believe the bibs showed up as quick as they did and just felt like they should escort these kids to the atm as part of doing their job.

local police will always help locals when having a problem, and on occasions there may be a kick back. If there is a kick back it usually happens over a drink at one of the locals. Policeofficers cant live from 8k baht/month salaries alone.

But it is not organized as with the tuk-tuks

Definitely not as organized as the tuk tuk business, but the hundreds to thousands of sighting and accounts of people being extorted to the tune of 40K thanks to "police intervention" sure points to a cozy relationship between jet skis and bibs. We have many multiple page threads relating to this coming from Samui, Pattaya and Phuket.

[katabeachbum]

Definitely not as organized as the tuk tuk business, but the hundreds to thousands of sighting and accounts of people being extorted to the tune of 40K thanks to "police intervention" sure points to a cozy relationship between jet skis and bibs. We have many multiple page threads relating to this coming from Samui, Pattaya and Phuket.

I only made comment on the jetski operators on Kata/Karon, who seem to run a clean business. Patong is very different, with some owners operating as many as 10-15 jetskis.

Anyone exposed to "Police Intervention" can always choose to do it the proper way at the Police station/public prosecutor/court case. However if you are at fault, an instant cash solution is often to be prefered

[frenchcaptainbob]

<i>Why fear the "farangs" medias ? They report WHAT THEY SEE.  And whatever would the medias say, IF Thailand, and Phuket are marvels and pearls that tourists should not avoid, the tourists will come, spend their money and will be pleased. Since Viet Nam war Thailand had been surfing an artificial POSITIVE wave. It has steadily been , that  for MANY years now</i>, the good image has been destroyed, whatever for tourists or residents. <br><br>For Farangs it's nothing about babbling. <br>Thailand would be pleasant,  IN REAL LIFE, they will come and stay. If not, they will go, and never come back, they are many other places in the world, so easy...<br><br>You can make thousands of your endless meetings leading nowhere. TRUTH speaks.<br>You grow rice, you may expect rice as a crop. You grow S..., no rice for crop then, sorry...<br>

[frenchcaptainbob]

now i realize why the raw sewage story is such a concern for the Phuket authorities... it will definitely cut into the extortion revenue of the jet-ski scams if tourists don't go in the water....and then a lot tea money won't get distributed up the food chain....

Some of my neighbors, actually quiet a few of them, are jet ski operators on Kata Beach. There is no reason to think any money "gets distributed up the food chain". Each jetski is owned by a single owner, he has one employee working all day on the beach, and income is used to take care of his family.

Unlike the tuk-tuks, where more than 80% of the vehicles are owned by 3 men, and each driver pays a fortune each month to rent/operate it

Are you sure about that kbb? I witnessed a fleecing of some middle eastern younger kids and the bib's showed up, the kids tried to leave, the bib's followed them into a tuk tuk along with the jet ski boys and they all took off heading directly to the atm. I personally did not see any money change hands, but I can't believe the bibs showed up as quick as they did and just felt like they should escort these kids to the atm as part of doing their job.

local police will always help locals when having a problem, and on occasions there may be a kick back. If there is a kick back it usually happens over a drink at one of the locals. Policeofficers cant live from 8k baht/month salaries alone.

But it is not organized as with the tuk-tuks

You point it right, Buddy: Police Officers CANNOT live on 8000 THB a month. Nobody can. So they MUST find other sources of FINANCING. End of the chapter...

[brieno1955]

local police will always help locals when having a problem, and on occasions there may be a kick back. If there is a kick back it usually happens over a drink at one of the locals. Policeofficers cant live from 8k baht/month salaries alone.

But it is not organized as with the tuk-tuks

You point it right, Buddy: Police Officers CANNOT live on 8000 THB a month. Nobody can. So they MUST find other sources of FINANCING. End of the chapter...

Agree, but what makes the cops cost of living any different?/

Nearly ALL workers have to live on LESS than 8000THB per month

[katabeachbum]

local police will always help locals when having a problem, and on occasions there may be a kick back. If there is a kick back it usually happens over a drink at one of the locals. Policeofficers cant live from 8k baht/month salaries alone.

But it is not organized as with the tuk-tuks

You point it right, Buddy: Police Officers CANNOT live on 8000 THB a month. Nobody can. So they MUST find other sources of FINANCING. End of the chapter...

Agree, but what makes the cops cost of living any different?/

Nearly ALL workers have to live on LESS than 8000THB per month

I am in no way defending dirty cops

but Police officers have to pay for their own guns/bullets, uniforms and bikes. Without this they are unable to do their job.

I do not mind contributing to have a problem solved. Rewards to solve burglary or theft works, as does it work to improve security/patrolling. I wish they where payed properly, but they are not.

Anyone seen the black Police Yaris used locally in Kata/Karon? Its fuel limit is 500 baht/day. Whenever increased security has been desired, I have given them 500 extra for fuel

TH Policeforce is sponsored in many ways, from small contributors like me, and from major contributors providing free bikes and vehicles

[nontabury]

I've been here for almost a year and don't feel like being ripped off. If I want to see a waterfall, I might pay more money than Thaipeople, but that's fine, because my income is WAY higher than theirs will ever be. Just imagine having to live on 5k Baht or a few thousand more. I couldn't do it. And they should still be able to have a nice time in their free time, so lower prices for them is fine.

Apart from that: Yes, unknowing tourists have to pay a lot higher prices sometimes. People who have been here for a few weeks will usually figure that out though. Go learn some Thai, talk to the people and they will gladly give you a little discount.

So to answer your question: Yes, I think there are a lot of places in Thailand where farang are treated very well and friendly, without paying loads of cash. I'm staying in the north by the way, might be a problem of the south, I can't really judge that after such a short time here.

Yes most Farangs have more money then the majority of Thais,but what about the approx 10% of Thais that have far more money then the Farangs, why should they be able to enter the parks etc at a tenth of the entrace fee paid by Farangs.Yes it's their country, but when these very rich Thais holiday in Europe they still expect,demand to pay the same entrance fee as the locals.

[BangTaoBoy]

Yes most Farangs have more money then the majority of Thais,but what about the approx 10% of Thais that have far more money then the Farangs, why should they be able to enter the parks etc at a tenth of the entrace fee paid by Farangs.Yes it's their country, but when these very rich Thais holiday in Europe they still expect,demand to pay the same entrance fee as the locals.

So what do you suggest? All Thais bring their bank statements, and a letter from their employer to the park entrance, just so they can make that pesky 10%, pay the extra 100 baht?

(Where did you get 10% from anyway, seems a bit high to me)

Good post Bashty.

[katabeachbum]

Yes most Farangs have more money then the majority of Thais,but what about the approx 10% of Thais that have far more money then the Farangs, why should they be able to enter the parks etc at a tenth of the entrace fee paid by Farangs.Yes it's their country, but when these very rich Thais holiday in Europe they still expect,demand to pay the same entrance fee as the locals.

So what do you suggest? All Thais bring their bank statements, and a letter from their employer to the park entrance, just so they can make that pesky 10%, pay the extra 100 baht?

(Where did you get 10% from anyway, seems a bit high to me)

Good post Bashty.

Foreigners not here as tourists will be required to obtain Thai drivers lisence, which usually makes you qualify for entrance fees on par with wealthy Thais

[Tanaka]

I've been here for almost a year and don't feel like being ripped off. If I want to see a waterfall, I might pay more money than Thaipeople, but that's fine, because my income is WAY higher than theirs will ever be. Just imagine having to live on 5k Baht or a few thousand more. I couldn't do it. And they should still be able to have a nice time in their free time, so lower prices for them is fine.

Apart from that: Yes, unknowing tourists have to pay a lot higher prices sometimes. People who have been here for a few weeks will usually figure that out though. Go learn some Thai, talk to the people and they will gladly give you a little discount.

So to answer your question: Yes, I think there are a lot of places in Thailand where farang are treated very well and friendly, without paying loads of cash. I'm staying in the north by the way, might be a problem of the south, I can't really judge that after such a short time here.

You start by saying you have been "here" a year. This being a thread about Phuket, I assume you mean you are there. But you end by stating that as you live in the north, you don't know anything about Phuket. Why should visitors pay two or three times what Thais pay? And it may surprise you but there are many tourists coming to Thailand who have saved for a long time to be able to come here. Not everyone has the financies you claim to have. And of course those people who come here for one, two or three weeks should learn some Thai. Oh dear.

[Tanaka]

Yes most Farangs have more money then the majority of Thais,but what about the approx 10% of Thais that have far more money then the Farangs, why should they be able to enter the parks etc at a tenth of the entrace fee paid by Farangs.Yes it's their country, but when these very rich Thais holiday in Europe they still expect,demand to pay the same entrance fee as the locals.

So what do you suggest? All Thais bring their bank statements, and a letter from their employer to the park entrance, just so they can make that pesky 10%, pay the extra 100 baht?

(Where did you get 10% from anyway, seems a bit high to me)

Good post Bashty.

No, the obvious and logical answer to your ill founded question is that everyone should pay the same regardless of complexion!

[BangTaoBoy]

So what do you suggest? All Thais bring their bank statements, and a letter from their employer to the park entrance, just so they can make that pesky 10%, pay the extra 100 baht?

(Where did you get 10% from anyway, seems a bit high to me)

Good post Bashty.

No, the obvious and logical answer to your ill founded question is that everyone should pay the same regardless of complexion!

If you must be so principled (It's really just selfish arrogance masquerading as principle, as we're only talking about paying an extra couple of pounds in a developing country ) then at least get your facts right. As allready mentioned it has nothing to do with complexion. If you are a resident Farang you pay local price. Disagree with that if you must, but don't highlight you lack of knowledge by insinuating it's a race thing. It's a tourist thing. If you travel to a developing country and then boo hoo about paying a couple of dollars more than the locals, you really should just stay at home in the comfort of the nice and safe, political correctness gone mad, West.

[stevenl]

Yes most Farangs have more money then the majority of Thais,but what about the approx 10% of Thais that have far more money then the Farangs, why should they be able to enter the parks etc at a tenth of the entrace fee paid by Farangs.Yes it's their country, but when these very rich Thais holiday in Europe they still expect,demand to pay the same entrance fee as the locals.

So what do you suggest? All Thais bring their bank statements, and a letter from their employer to the park entrance, just so they can make that pesky 10%, pay the extra 100 baht?

(Where did you get 10% from anyway, seems a bit high to me)

Good post Bashty.

No, the obvious and logical answer to your ill founded question is that everyone should pay the same regardless of complexion!

Nothing to do with complexion, only with nationality.

[stevenl]

I've been here for almost a year and don't feel like being ripped off. If I want to see a waterfall, I might pay more money than Thaipeople, but that's fine, because my income is WAY higher than theirs will ever be. Just imagine having to live on 5k Baht or a few thousand more. I couldn't do it. And they should still be able to have a nice time in their free time, so lower prices for them is fine.

Apart from that: Yes, unknowing tourists have to pay a lot higher prices sometimes. People who have been here for a few weeks will usually figure that out though. Go learn some Thai, talk to the people and they will gladly give you a little discount.

So to answer your question: Yes, I think there are a lot of places in Thailand where farang are treated very well and friendly, without paying loads of cash. I'm staying in the north by the way, might be a problem of the south, I can't really judge that after such a short time here.

You start by saying you have been "here" a year. This being a thread about Phuket, I assume you mean you are there. But you end by stating that as you live in the north, you don't know anything about Phuket. Why should visitors pay two or three times what Thais pay? And it may surprise you but there are many tourists coming to Thailand who have saved for a long time to be able to come here. Not everyone has the financies you claim to have. And of course those people who come here for one, two or three weeks should learn some Thai. Oh dear.

Any connection between living on Phuket or not and paying national park fees?

[BangTaoBoy]

Yes most Farangs have more money then the majority of Thais,but what about the approx 10% of Thais that have far more money then the Farangs, why should they be able to enter the parks etc at a tenth of the entrace fee paid by Farangs.Yes it's their country, but when these very rich Thais holiday in Europe they still expect,demand to pay the same entrance fee as the locals.

So what do you suggest? All Thais bring their bank statements, and a letter from their employer to the park entrance, just so they can make that pesky 10%, pay the extra 100 baht?

(Where did you get 10% from anyway, seems a bit high to me)

Good post Bashty.

No, the obvious and logical answer to your ill founded question is that everyone should pay the same regardless of complexion!

Nothing to do with complexion, only with nationality.

But even that's not strictly true is it. Because if you are a resident you pay Thai price, no matter what nationality you are. If you are Thai or permenantly residing in Thailand, you pay the lower price. If you are a tourist, you pay tourist price. Wouldn't be allowed in the West, but thank f#ck I don't live in the West.

[stevenl]

Yes, true.

In all national parks all over the country i have always paid tourist prices.

[KarenBravo]

Yes, true.

In all national parks all over the country i have always paid tourist prices.

Show your Thai driving license and there is a 50% chance that they will let you in for the Thai price.

Some parks do and some parks don't.........

[LivinginKata]

Yes, true.

In all national parks all over the country i have always paid tourist prices.

Show your Thai driving license and there is a 50% chance that they will let you in for the Thai price.

Some parks do and some parks don't.........

In my experience a lot more than 50% chance. Almost all national parks and the like will allow you to enter at the Thai price if you show your Thai licence. I carry my Work Permit in case there is any arguement (then I tell them how much income tax I pay), but the DL usually good enough, and without any hassle at all.

[stevenl]

Yes, true.

In all national parks all over the country i have always paid tourist prices.

Show your Thai driving license and there is a 50% chance that they will let you in for the Thai price.

Some parks do and some parks don't.........

Much more than 50% in my opinion. I have never been refused thai price as far as i can remember, all over the country.

[Jimi007]

Yes, true.

In all national parks all over the country i have always paid tourist prices.

Show your Thai driving license and there is a 50% chance that they will let you in for the Thai price.

Some parks do and some parks don't.........

Much more than 50% in my opinion. I have never been refused thai price as far as i can remember, all over the country.

So which is it? First you say you have always paid tourist prices at National Parks, then you say you pay the Thai price...

[stevenl]

Sorry, mistake. I have always paid thai prices, never tourist prices.