Jet-Skis, Rip-Offs And Noise Pollution: Phuket's Honorary Consuls Go Through The Motions

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Jet-skis, rip-offs and noise pollution: Phuket's honorary consuls go through the motions

Phuket Gazette

Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut said Phuket’s ‘mandatory’ jet-ski insurance scheme still required some ministerial regulations to be amended so that it could be better enforced. Photo: Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai

MY FIRST TIME: (From left) US Consul-General Elizabeth Pratt, Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul. Photo: Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai

PHUKET: -- Jet-ski scams, noise pollution in Patong and real estate rip-offs were among the issues raised by honorary consuls during their quarterly meeting with Phuket government officers today.

The meeting, held in the main meeting room of Phuket Provincial Hall, was chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa.

Dr Sommai, the first-ever person to chair the meeting in English, was filling in for Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha, who could not attend due to unspecified urgent business.

The consuls' meeting was the first to be attended by a member of the United States diplomatic mission in Thailand.

US Consulate-General Elizabeth “Suzie” Pratt told the gathering that although the US uses a different system than most of the other countries and does not have honorary consuls, it still had the safety and security of US nationals in Phuket as its top priority.

Ms Pratt explained that the US uses a system of volunteer “wardens” whose role is similar to that of the honorary consuls in providing assistance to US citizens in distress.

On the topic of jet-ski scams, Australian Consul Larry Cunningham addressed new Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul, who was also attending his first consuls’ meeting.

Mr Cunningham asked the new commander if he was aware of jet-ski scams that include operators demanding compensation for pre-existing damage below the water-line that is not visible to the eye when the jet-skis are rented out offshore.

When the renters return the jet-skis to shore they are shown scratches and, in some cases, surrounded by as many as 20 “thugs” who intimidate them into agreeing to pay, Mr Cunningham said.

Maj Gen Chonasit said he was well aware of the situation after discussing it with the Phuket Governor. It was his understanding that the majority of problems came from operators who did not take out insurance on their boats, he said.

Speaking through an interpreter, Maj Gen Chonasit said police “only have the power to enforce the law and look after tourists”, but that they were often called upon to negotiate compensation agreements between renters and operators.

It was the responsibility of the local Marine Department Office to ensure that all jet-skis carried insurance, he said.

Both Mr Cunningham and British Honorary Consul Martin Carpenter raised the issue of uninsured jet-skis operating at both Surin and Laem Singh beaches, where current zoning regulations prohibit their use.

Phuripat Theerakulpisut, Chief of Phuket’s Marine Office 5, told the consuls that the jet-ski insurance scheme had “solved the problem already”, but that there were still some ministerial regulations that were in the process of being amended so that it could be better enforced.

As a practical solution in the short term, Mr Carpenter suggested posting signs at both Surin and Laem Singh Beaches warning tourists of the potential dangers of renting jet-skis there. The suggestion was accepted by Mr Phuripat.

German Honorary Consul Dirk Naumann told the meeting he had received complaints about noise pollution stemming from late-night fireworks in Patong. At least three different groups of German tourists had complained to him that the excessive use of fireworks late into the night had prevented them from sleeping.

Maj Gen Chonasit agreed to tackle the issue, promising action against both vendors and their customers.

Mr Cunningham also asked Maj Gen Chonasit if his predecessor Maj Gen Pekad Tantipong had explained to him the case of an alleged real estate fraud involving two Australians and a Swedish investor who claimed to have lost their life savings when they invested 6 to 14 million baht in a condo project.

Well aware of the matter, Maj Gen Chonasit said that a case against the property firm Modern Architecture and Design Corp had already been forwarded to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Some of the consuls took the opportunity to thank government officers for swift action in cases involving their nationals.

“I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to Phuket Airport Director Prathuang Sorngkam and to Khun Sumalee Samphaorat, Director of Airport Services , for the wonderful assistance they provided to Australian tourists who were stranded recently as a result of the Air Australia collapse,” Mr Cunningham said.

Mr Carpenter thanked all the relevant agencies who assisted in the identification and repatriation of British national Mark Robson, who was found hanged near Freedom Beach in Karon late last month. Police determined that his death was a suicide.

The meeting ended with Maj Gen Chonasit asking the consuls to submit all queries to him one week in advance so that he could ensure prompt action and thorough replies in future meetings.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle12435.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-02-28

[laurentbkk]

thats what we call a waste of time meeting ......

[asdecas]

It's my understanding, from news reports of this scam over the years, that the question of insurance is a red herring; tourists have generally not damaged the jetskis they rented in any way but continue to be intimidated and threatened, their money extorted, through bogus claims of damage. In most cases the said scratches, dents etc were already there when the jetski was rented.

This smacks of the usual obfuscation tactics, so well know in Thailand, to cover up criminal activity.

Edited February 28, 2012 by asdecas

[TantraMantra]

'As a practical solution in the short term, Mr Carpenter suggested posting signs at both Surin and Laem Singh Beaches warning tourists of the potential dangers of renting jet-skis there. The suggestion was accepted by Mr Phuripat.'

And it will include an inaugural flight of the Flying Pigs at the installation ceremony.

[steelepulse]

The "insurance" that was provided had a lot of holes in it so, even though the operators could say they had insurance, what they didn't tell the punters was that basically nothing was covered. Down time to fix a ski? Paid for by the punter? There was also a small amount of total payout that was covered, so in essence, the policy didn't cover anything as jet ski operators just demanded a bigger number. Insurance was a total waste of everyone's time and money.

[spidermike007]

It's my understanding, from news reports of this scam over the years, that the question of insurance is a red herring; tourists have generally not damaged the jetskis they rented in any way but continue to be intimidated and threatened, their money extorted, through bogus claims of damage. In most cases the said scratches, dents etc were already there when the jetski was rented.

This smacks of the usual obfuscation tactics, so well know in Thailand, to cover up criminal activity.

Absolutely spot on. You hit the nail on the head. Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul, are cowards. They are unwilling to face the issues. They are too timid to tackle the culprits. They would rather go on keeping their heads in the sand, than do what is needed to address the issues. There are a hundred different solutions to these issues. Excuses are a mere attempt to placate the ambassador, and they are inadequate. Time for someone in power to take a stand against the mafia cretons. Thailand continues to receive black eyes on a daily basis. Unless the place is shamed to an extraordinary degree by the international press, nothing will ever change. Too much money is being made on these scams, and the police are partners in the scams.

[spidermike007]

And as far as the noise pollution goes, that is a fight that will never be won. My sense of it, is that the Thai people do not hear noise. Or if they do, it just does not bother them. Also, I am convinced they are pathologically afraid of silence. It may allow them to hear the inner voice, and perhaps they do not like what they hear? Not sure, but to try to find peace and quite in thailand, is like trying to find a salmon run in central Africa, or a gold mine in Samui, or a pack of black bears in Chiang Mai. It just is not there.

[blackthorn2005]

'As a practical solution in the short term, Mr Carpenter suggested posting signs at both Surin and Laem Singh Beaches warning tourists of the potential dangers of renting jet-skis there. The suggestion was accepted by Mr Phuripat.'

And it will include an inaugural flight of the Flying Pigs at the installation ceremony.

That will put the price of pork up again!

[blackthorn2005]

It's my understanding, from news reports of this scam over the years, that the question of insurance is a red herring; tourists have generally not damaged the jetskis they rented in any way but continue to be intimidated and threatened, their money extorted, through bogus claims of damage. In most cases the said scratches, dents etc were already there when the jetski was rented.

This smacks of the usual obfuscation tactics, so well know in Thailand, to cover up criminal activity.

Absolutely spot on. You hit the nail on the head. Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul, are cowards. They are unwilling to face the issues. They are too timid to tackle the culprits. They would rather go on keeping their heads in the sand, than do what is needed to address the issues. There are a hundred different solutions to these issues. Excuses are a mere attempt to placate the ambassador, and they are inadequate. Time for someone in power to take a stand against the mafia cretons. Thailand continues to receive black eyes on a daily basis. Unless the place is shamed to an extraordinary degree by the international press, nothing will ever change. Too much money is being made on these scams, and the police are partners in the scams.

You forgot Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut, the absolute blockhead who was sent out of a previous meeting for his pathetic, small minded, un-educated, immature remarks.

[fire and ice]

As a practical solution in the short term, Mr Carpenter suggested posting signs at both Surin and Laem Singh Beaches warning tourists of the potential dangers of renting jet-skis there. The suggestion was accepted by Mr Phuripat.

Yes an excellent suggestion: The (lets say) 48 signs will be installed at a cost of, hmm, lets say: 3,762,000 baht = 78,375 per sign (aprox US$2600 each), a real bargain to the Government, especially since they will get vandalised by the jetski operators bBut can never be proven), and therefore also need constant replacement. Wow, what an earner for the contractor "hired" to make & install the signs.

[sydneyjed]

Larry Cunningham ridiculed the same people last year for these constant and persistant schams occurring on an almost daily basis around the island....Where were the Governor and Mayor again?Yes we all know why they make excuses and fail to attend don't we?..Just another complete waste of bloody time again..Ground Hog day revisited!!!!Thanks Larry for trying again mate..just pi...ng against the wind with this lot mate!!

[Boyblue]

"Both Mr Cunningham and British Honorary Consul Martin Carpenter raised the issue of uninsured jet-skis operating at both Surin and Laem Singh beaches, where current zoning regulations prohibit their use."

So why are they putting up signs to warn tourists if the regulations "Prohibit their use". Don't you just move them off the beach or fine them for breaking the law.......... did anyone mention this at the meeting?..

[JMG]

It's my understanding, from news reports of this scam over the years, that the question of insurance is a red herring; tourists have generally not damaged the jetskis they rented in any way but continue to be intimidated and threatened, their money extorted, through bogus claims of damage. In most cases the said scratches, dents etc were already there when the jetski was rented.

This smacks of the usual obfuscation tactics, so well know in Thailand, to cover up criminal activity.

Absolutely spot on. You hit the nail on the head. Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul, are cowards. They are unwilling to face the issues. They are too timid to tackle the culprits. They would rather go on keeping their heads in the sand, than do what is needed to address the issues. There are a hundred different solutions to these issues. Excuses are a mere attempt to placate the ambassador, and they are inadequate. Time for someone in power to take a stand against the mafia cretons. Thailand continues to receive black eyes on a daily basis. Unless the place is shamed to an extraordinary degree by the international press, nothing will ever change. Too much money is being made on these scams, and the police are partners in the scams.

Absolutely accurate summation of the jet ski scam on Phuket beaches. All that remains to be said is that the discussion of insurance among Phuket officials is simply a convenient smoke screen and a distraction from the real issue of operators extorting payment through intimidation for fictitious property damage. The only solution is leverage through a focused international press campaign and the message to foreign travellers that Phuket is not a safe destination. To see change the potential loss in tourism revenue must exceed the scam revenue.

[TackyToo]

Dr Sommai, the first-ever person to chair the meeting in English, was filling in for Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha, who could not attend due to unspecified urgent business

The Governor probably had to attend his "English for beginners" class

[rubik101]

I'd like to rent a jet-ski, take it far out to sea and sink it. I suppose I'd need an accomplice to pick me up or that would be very stupid. I wouldn't feel too guilty because the nice jet-ski man can claim for a new one on his expensive insurance policy.

The sign idea is a total waste of time, as mentioned, the nice jet-ski men will rip them out every morning on the way to the beach.

Without being specific, is it not the case that payments go to as many people as are required to get away with these scams? This may or may not include everyone in a uniform or position of authority, might it not? Hence, nothing will be stopped until these men are prevented from benefiting from the scams in the first place. As it is, even the most polite and well intentioned attendee at any or all of these meetings is possibly a suspected recipient, perhaps?

Whatever happens, Thailand loses in the long run. Bad publicity is the worst kind. But the get rich quick and now brigade retire happily to the forest reserves in the north and live in luxury, as has always been the case in Thailand.

[Basil B]

OK so they get insurance, bet the next scam will be "you pay exccess, 100,000B"

[arrowsdawdle]

The "insurance" that was provided had a lot of holes in it so, even though the operators could say they had insurance, what they didn't tell the punters was that basically nothing was covered. Down time to fix a ski? Paid for by the punter? There was also a small amount of total payout that was covered, so in essence, the policy didn't cover anything as jet ski operators just demanded a bigger number. Insurance was a total waste of everyone's time and money.

This type of insurance, much like the collision insurance on a car, typically requires the policyholder to pay a deductable, which is how his premium is determined; bigger deductable, lower premium and vice versa. So, insurance is not going stop the hustle because the jet skam operators will state that they are insured but the tourist must pay the huge deductable. Skammer still gets his money.

[arrowsdawdle]

"Both Mr Cunningham and British Honorary Consul Martin Carpenter raised the issue of uninsured jet-skis operating at both Surin and Laem Singh beaches, where current zoning regulations prohibit their use."

So why are they putting up signs to warn tourists if the regulations "Prohibit their use". Don't you just move them off the beach or fine them for breaking the law.......... did anyone mention this at the meeting?..

Wouldn't want the poor law breakers to lose face would you?

[arrowsdawdle]

It's my understanding, from news reports of this scam over the years, that the question of insurance is a red herring; tourists have generally not damaged the jetskis they rented in any way but continue to be intimidated and threatened, their money extorted, through bogus claims of damage. In most cases the said scratches, dents etc were already there when the jetski was rented.

This smacks of the usual obfuscation tactics, so well know in Thailand, to cover up criminal activity.

Absolutely spot on. You hit the nail on the head. Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul, are cowards. They are unwilling to face the issues. They are too timid to tackle the culprits. They would rather go on keeping their heads in the sand, than do what is needed to address the issues. There are a hundred different solutions to these issues. Excuses are a mere attempt to placate the ambassador, and they are inadequate. Time for someone in power to take a stand against the mafia cretons. Thailand continues to receive black eyes on a daily basis. Unless the place is shamed to an extraordinary degree by the international press, nothing will ever change. Too much money is being made on these scams, and the police are partners in the scams.

Absolutely accurate summation of the jet ski scam on Phuket beaches. All that remains to be said is that the discussion of insurance among Phuket officials is simply a convenient smoke screen and a distraction from the real issue of operators extorting payment through intimidation for fictitious property damage. The only solution is leverage through a focused international press campaign and the message to foreign travellers that Phuket is not a safe destination. To see change the potential loss in tourism revenue must exceed the scam revenue.

And have you notified any international media? Certainly, you don't expect them to be monitoring the situation. If everybody wrote to travel and news media they may pay attention. Can't be one single voice. Five thousand flies can't be wrong and are hard to ignore.

[arrowsdawdle]

And as far as the noise pollution goes, that is a fight that will never be won. My sense of it, is that the Thai people do not hear noise. Or if they do, it just does not bother them. Also, I am convinced they are pathologically afraid of silence. It may allow them to hear the inner voice, and perhaps they do not like what they hear? Not sure, but to try to find peace and quite in thailand, is like trying to find a salmon run in central Africa, or a gold mine in Samui, or a pack of black bears in Chiang Mai. It just is not there.

Amen, if silence was golden they couldn't raise a dime.

[airconsult]

I notice that they have now decided Mark Robson committed suicide - shortly before he was about to leave for a new job in Taipai.

And if you trust a reporter's comments, found "hanged" in a sitting position with bruises on his back.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2012/article12277.html

[F1fanatic]

The title of this post sums it up very well I think - "honorary consuls go through the motions".

[dude007]

'As a practical solution in the short term, Mr Carpenter suggested posting signs at both Surin and Laem Singh Beaches warning tourists of the potential dangers of renting jet-skis there. The suggestion was accepted by Mr Phuripat.'

And it will include an inaugural flight of the Flying Pigs at the installation ceremony.

That will put the price of pork up again!

And the pork-wings as well...

[dude007]

I notice that they have now decided Mark Robson committed suicide - shortly before he was about to leave for a new job in Taipai.

And if you trust a reporter's comments, found "hanged" in a sitting position with bruises on his back.

http://www.phuketgaz...ticle12277.html

That's true! "The Gazette notes that photos taken from the scene suggest the possibility of foul play, especially bruises on Mr Robson’s back and the fact that he was found “hanged” in a sitting position"

How can this Phuket police conclude that it was suicide when the evidences are showing totally different! I know how they work, I know how they intimidate, I know how they threaten with law articles and maximum punishments according to the Thai Law ("This is Thailand and you have to abide by the Thai law...")... but I also believe that they must have a bad night each time they conclude to such lies that they know themselves all too well! How can they have a peace of mind?

For sure, I trust the reporter's comments! WHO would trust police here in Phuket?

Edited February 28, 2012 by dude007

[F1fanatic]

I notice that they have now decided Mark Robson committed suicide - shortly before he was about to leave for a new job in Taipai.

And if you trust a reporter's comments, found "hanged" in a sitting position with bruises on his back.

http://www.phuketgaz...ticle12277.html

That's true! "The Gazette notes that photos taken from the scene suggest the possibility of foul play, especially bruises on Mr Robson’s back and the fact that he was found “hanged” in a sitting position"

How can this Phuket police conclude that it was suicide when the evidences are showing totally different! I know how they work, I know how they intimidate, I know how they threaten with law articles and maximum punishments according to the Thai Law ("This is Thailand and you have to abide by the Thai law...")... but I also believe that they must have a bad night each time they conclude to such lies that they know themselves all too well! How can they have a peace of mind?

For sure, I trust the reporter's comments! WHO would trust police here in Phuket?

Paul Robson's death is a separate issue. It appears that his family think he was murdered and are giving no credence to the suicide line. Presumably they are not wealthy enough, or have enough power - so it has disappeared from the radar.

But this thread is about the Honorary Consuls "going through the motions".

[LivinginKata]

Paul Robson's death is a separate issue. It appears that his family think he was murdered and are giving no credence to the suicide line. Presumably they are not wealthy enough, or have enough power - so it has disappeared from the radar.

But this thread is about the Honorary Consuls "going through the motions".

Agreed, further off topic posts will be removed without any further notice. Please stay with the topic at hand.

[harleyclarkey]

"Maj Gen Chonasit said he was well aware of the situation after discussing it with the Phuket Governor. It was his understanding that the majority of problems came from operators who did not take out insurance on their boats" he said.

What absolute rubbish. The problem has nothing at all to do with insurance.... or not. It is down to a bunch of unregulated thugs threatening innocent victims.

[harleyclarkey]

"As a practical solution in the short term, Mr Carpenter suggested posting signs at both Surin and Laem Singh Beaches warning tourists of the potential dangers of renting jet-skis there"

If they ever get put up they will last nanoseconds.

What is the point really of these meetings? If the consuls are treated like this from the guys/girls at the top what does it say for the likes of us???

[4u2mad]

Well folks, nice to see your tax dollars/pounds/euros at work. I wonder how much this cost the citizens of the respective countries? As a futile exercise, its gotta be close to number one! Phuket, the 'hub' of scams.

At the pigs fly past, I'll be taking the salute with a stiff middle finger!

[F1fanatic]

"As a practical solution in the short term, Mr Carpenter suggested posting signs at both Surin and Laem Singh Beaches warning tourists of the potential dangers of renting jet-skis there"

If they ever get put up they will last nanoseconds.

What is the point really of these meetings? If the consuls are treated like this from the guys/girls at the top what does it say for the likes of us???

You're missing the point. Our Honorary Consuls don't actually care.

They raise the odd point to make it appear as if they are concerned, but as long as the reply is 'we'll do something' - they can walk away and continue with their lives.

The "guys/girls at the top" are doing exactly the same.