A good report card for Phuket’s jet-ski operators

[webfact]

A good report card for Phuket’s jet-ski operators

Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan

The overall report card was, “Doing much better than before.”

PHUKET: Governor Maitri Intusut chaired a meeting to check progress on the organisation of the jet-ski industry on Phuket on August.

Much of the industry has been standardised, ridding it of its cowboy, ripoff image. Today, 286 registered jet-skis operate from six beaches: 170 at Patong, 38 at Karon and Kata, 12 at Koh Naka, 40 at Bang Tao, and 26 at Kamala.

Prices have standardised at B1,500 for 30 minutes, B2,000 for 40 minutes and B3,000 for an hour. Gov Maitri asked representatives of jet-ski operators how these prices had been arrived at, and whether they were not rather on the high side.

Nucha Petchwimol, representative of the Patong jet-skis explained, “We are still using the price of B1,500 for half an hour that was set when Wichai Paisa-ngob was Governor [from 2009 to 2010].”

His counterpart from Bang Tao went into detail. “In half an hour a jet-ski uses 12 to 13 litres of gasoline. If you cost it at B40 per litre, that’s B480 excluding additives. Those cost another B100 or so for half an hour. So that’s B580. Then you have to pay staff wages – that’s about B200-B300 per trip, depending on the location.”

He added, “We can still conduct our business because now they produce four-stroke engines for jet-skis, which help us save money on fuel,” he added.

Watchara Goysakul, representatives of Kamala site said, “We don’t fight over customers. We don't have many problems with customers, either, because we always inform them of the prices and rules in advance. Tourists can decide if they want to do it or not, it is up to them – we never force them.”

The representative of Bang Tao said, “Foreign customers always ask if they have to have a license to ride a jet-ski license or not. In our country anyone can ride one. But we have staff who can go out with customers who don’t know how to drive one.”

Nachapong Pranit, an official of the Phuket Harbour Office, said, “We usually inspect the operating license and the condition of each jet-ski once a year.”

As for safety, Mr Nucha said, “We’ve had only one case this year of an accident in which someone died.

“I believe we and the Harbour Office work together well to organise the jet-ski industry. I’m trying to prevent any problems,” he added.

The Governor noted that one foreign ambassador had told him that he thought jet-skis should be banned because they were not safe. “I replied, ‘If you bring up stories from three to four years ago, I have no idea how I can respond. But if you can tell me the ticket no, the date and the time, then I can assist you. Please be specific.”

Mr Watchara from Kamala site agreed. “Every jet-skis is registered, so if something bad happens, you can pinpoint the troublesome operator straight away.”

The governor asked representatives what they did in monsoon weather or storms.

“We don’t rent out our jet-skis when the weather is bad,” Mr Warchara replied. “When a jet-ski is overturned and damaged, the little money the customer pays means we don’t break even.”

The jet-ski owners have also agreed that their business will be a closed shop from now on. The representative of the Kata-Karon owners said, “We have agreed within our club that none of us may increase the number of jet-skis we operate, though anyone has the right to sell and buy ownership of existing licenses, but only among local people.”

The representatives requested help from the governor: they want lessons in Chinese language and they also asked him to establish an organisation to act as referee in disputes with customers.

They also urged him to ensure officials are strict on illegal jet-ski operators who, they said, ruin jet-skiing’s image. The Bang Tao representative said, “The penalties the Phuket Harbour Office levies are too weak. The officials just collect fines, and then let them go.”

Gov Maitri said that he would try to apply the jet-ski operator industry solutions to the so-far intractable problems of Phuket’s taxis and tuk-tuks.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/a-good-report-card-for-phuket%E2%80%99s-jet-ski-operators-41495.php


-- Phuket News 2013-08-21

[jpp2bkk]

Not rent a jet ski still the best way to avoid troubles and to get rid of them.

[Old Croc]

Not rent a jet ski still the best way to avoid troubles and to get rid of them.

The operators have asked for help to learn Chinese. They have an endless supply of customers.

[laurentbkk]

“When a jet-ski is overturned and damaged, the little money the customer pays means we don’t break even.”

Yeah sure , what about the normal practice of asking huge amount of money to tourists for fake damages ? Those jet ski should be forbidden , its noisy , pollute and totally unnecessary.

[uty6543]

quote from OP Prices have standardised at B1,500 for 30 minutes, B2,000 for 40 minutes and B3,000 for an hour. Gov Maitri asked representatives of jet-ski operators how these prices had been arrived at, and whether they were not rather on the high side.

That's not a little on the high side that's extortionate

[hansgruber]

I ride them once or twice a week with my oldest son. Never had a problem with them at Kata beach, been doing it for years. Friendly guys who give us a good deal knowing we are locals.

[LivinginKata]

I ride them once or twice a week with my oldest son. Never had a problem with them at Kata beach, been doing it for years. Friendly guys who give us a good deal knowing we are locals.

Care to share what you consider a good deal. Price/how long....

[Wavefloater]

“In half an hour a jet-ski uses 12 to 13 litres of gasoline. If you cost it at B40 per litre, that’s B480 excluding additives. Those cost another B100 or so for half an hour. So that’s B580. Then you have to pay staff wages – that’s about B200-B300 per trip, depending on the location.”

I just checked a top-end jet ski, and it had a 1.5 liter engine -- about the same as an economy car. Unless the nature of how JetSkis work is vastly different from cars that's absurdly bad fuel economy. Can you imagine driving an economy car and sucking up 13 liters of gas in half an hour? Would you keep or drive a car like that? -- not likely. Oh ya, and let's not forget that each half hour of running a JetSki requires an additional 100 worth of "additives". If all this is true, these things should be outlawed because they are likely some of the most environmentally unfriendly contraptions in the world. Anybody who is concerned about the health of the planet should never ride one of these horrible little annoyances.

It's also interesting that these guys get paid so much. This guy talks about wages of 200-300 baht per trip and ties it into the 1/2 hour ride scenario, which could give us the impression that these guys are paying staff about 4000-6000 per 10-hour day. I really doubt that (without the extortion trick of swindling people out of money for false (or exaggerated) repairs).

So, the bottom line for me is that I have new reasons not to rent a JetSki -- terrible for the environment and I'm helping to grossly overpay somebody. Of course, the "facts" presented could also be highly exaggerated or simply lies, which would also prevent me from trusting these guys enough to rent one. Personally, I don't believe the costs this guy is quoting.

[NamKangMan]

Not rent a jet ski still the best way to avoid troubles and to get rid of them.

The operators have asked for help to learn Chinese. They have an endless supply of customers.

Are the Chinese tourist aware of the jet-ski "tax?" It's an extra 200 baht on top of the rental fee.

If immigration are scamming them, they must be getting the p*ss taken out of them everywhere, and for everything here.

Edited August 21, 2013 by NamKangMan

[Paangjang]

This has been on here before but its a good Phuket vid anyway.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqi07Dc68Lk

[hansgruber]

I ride them once or twice a week with my oldest son. Never had a problem with them at Kata beach, been doing it for years. Friendly guys who give us a good deal knowing we are locals.

Care to share what you consider a good deal. Price/how long....

1000 baht for 30 mins but I don't really go that long. It's quite a work out for 30 mins.

I normally go for 20 mins and give it back.

I used to own one and renting beats maintaining it and rinsing it off each time.

[Sharp]

Haha 200-300 baht salary per trip

Give me a job !!!!

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[SSSlongtime]

quote from OP Prices have standardised at B1,500 for 30 minutes, B2,000 for 40 minutes and B3,000 for an hour. Gov Maitri asked representatives of jet-ski operators how these prices had been arrived at, and whether they were not rather on the high side.

That's not a little on the high side that's extortionate

pay that for deck chair in France on the beach , thats extortionate

[Pikeybkk]

carefully asked questions, get carefully scripted replies

[YeaBiGgiEs]

But are they required to carry insurance now? I took this photo many years ago as I found humor in the advertising..

[monkeycountry]

“In half an hour a jet-ski uses 12 to 13 litres of gasoline. If you cost it at B40 per litre, that’s B480 excluding additives. Those cost another B100 or so for half an hour. So that’s B580. Then you have to pay staff wages – that’s about B200-B300 per trip, depending on the location.”

I just checked a top-end jet ski, and it had a 1.5 liter engine -- about the same as an economy car. Unless the nature of how JetSkis work is vastly different from cars that's absurdly bad fuel economy. Can you imagine driving an economy car and sucking up 13 liters of gas in half an hour? Would you keep or drive a car like that? -- not likely. Oh ya, and let's not forget that each half hour of running a JetSki requires an additional 100 worth of "additives". If all this is true, these things should be outlawed because they are likely some of the most environmentally unfriendly contraptions in the world. Anybody who is concerned about the health of the planet should never ride one of these horrible little annoyances.

It's also interesting that these guys get paid so much. This guy talks about wages of 200-300 baht per trip and ties it into the 1/2 hour ride scenario, which could give us the impression that these guys are paying staff about 4000-6000 per 10-hour day. I really doubt that (without the extortion trick of swindling people out of money for false (or exaggerated) repairs).

So, the bottom line for me is that I have new reasons not to rent a JetSki -- terrible for the environment and I'm helping to grossly overpay somebody. Of course, the "facts" presented could also be highly exaggerated or simply lies, which would also prevent me from trusting these guys enough to rent one. Personally, I don't believe the costs this guy is quoting.

Actually that would be 4000-6000 baht salary per jetski. Most places have many jetskis out at any given time, so multiply by the amount of jetskis in the water on average. Of course there is also more than one staff to split the money, but still, there are a lot more jetskis than staff.

[monkeycountry]

If additives are 100 baht per 30 minute trip, then the jetskis should be illegal for that reason alone. That is a lot of pollution to throw into the air/water.

Further, no one seems to mention the main problem with jetskis. They are sailing at full speed in and out between people swimming, and more often that not piloted by amateurs.

And not least, even if the jetski guys are right reg. expenses, which they are not, it does not explain why there is a profit of 700 per 30 minute trip. Multiply that by the amount of trips on an average day, and you will find that they charge 5-10 times more than the rent of a small similarly priced car. Anyway, the more they charge, the less people use them, so keep up the high prices please.

[monkeycountry]

<sub>"The jet-ski owners have also agreed that their business will be a closed shop from now on. The representative of the Kata-Karon owners said, “We have agreed within our club that none of us may increase the number of jet-skis we operate, though anyone has the right to sell and buy ownership of existing licenses, but only among local people.”"

As with the taxis, tuk tuk and others on Phuket, they seem to believe it is within their right to decide who can do business and who cannot on Phuket - which is partly why most people refer to them as mafia and not businessmen. It does not say directly what is going to happen to outsiders wanting a piece of the action, but I think we all know what will happen to me if I decide to bring 5 jetskis to Kata or Karon tomorrow. Anyway, as in my above comment, I support anything that limits the amount of jetskis - even mafia methods.</sub>

Edited August 21, 2013 by monkeycountry

[monkeycountry]

"Gov Maitri said that he would try to apply the jet-ski operator industry solutions to the so-far intractable problems of Phuket’s taxis and tuk-tuks."

Public transport is a necessity, jet-skis are not. Even trying to compare the 2 issues displays the lack of intelligence of Mr. Maitri.

And just exactly what are the "jet-ski operator industry solutions" the governor is talking about? I can't see any mentioning of solutions in the article, besides that the jet-skis are now registered. How is that going to help tourists who are in trouble with the jet-ski scammers and their police friends?

Further, this issue with legal/illegal operators, which also seems to be a major issue for taxis, is only an issue between operators when deciding how to share the cake - it does nothing to help the tourists. Both legal and illegal taxis, tuktuks and jet-skis are scamming the tourists, and when a bunch of taxi drivers or jet-ski guys are about to beat up a tourists it does not help the tourists one little bit whether it is a legal or illegal taxi/jet-ski.

[pomchop]

Four stroke jet skis running wide open burn would burn about 6 litres of gas for a half hour. HALF of what this guy says.

If they have two stroke engines then yes probably do burn twice as much fuel....anyone running a serious jet ski business charging the prices these guys charge should have all four stroke engines....much more efficient and less polluting..

170 jet skis in Patong? So much for peace and quiet. Who the hell wants to sit on a beach and listen to that crap noise all day long so a few tourists can get a thrill while destroying any semblance of the concept of simply sitting on a beach and listening to the ocean waves lap up on the shore?? No thanks.

Jet skis were a big problem in maui years ago but after a lot of complaints they were banned along most beaches. What they found is that the vast majority of tourists did NOT want them , didn't want to listen to them, didn't want to have to worry about themselves or their kids getting run down. I suspect that most patong tourists could also do without them just fine.

[biplanebluey]

This has been on here before but its a good Phuket vid anyway.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqi07Dc68Lk

Good vid yes but lousy cop.The guy brought the jet ski back with what the cop said was OLD DAMAGE,but he could do nothing to stop the transaction ----35.000Bt. Him being there did nothing to help.Even after the cop told the customer to go,the thugs closed in and the cop gave in------------ Great stuff from the Marines,all puff and no blow

[Andre0720]

And this guy forgot to mention that the salt water does damage the paint on the jet-skis in the amount of about 500 bahts per hour. And the wear on the seats. Oh my...

I ride my Honda Phantom, about 1 to 1.5 hours everyday, and 12 litres will last me about 10 days.

So 12 litres, minimum 10 hours on the roads. Jet-ski, 30 minutes on water.

Additives... If those motors are 2 strokes, they do use more gasoline...

[monkeycountry]

Four stroke jet skis running wide open burn would burn about 6 litres of gas for a half hour. HALF of what this guy says.

If they have two stroke engines then yes probably do burn twice as much fuel....anyone running a serious jet ski business charging the prices these guys charge should have all four stroke engines....much more efficient and less polluting..

170 jet skis in Patong? So much for peace and quiet. Who the hell wants to sit on a beach and listen to that crap noise all day long so a few tourists can get a thrill while destroying any semblance of the concept of simply sitting on a beach and listening to the ocean waves lap up on the shore?? No thanks.

Jet skis were a big problem in maui years ago but after a lot of complaints they were banned along most beaches. What they found is that the vast majority of tourists did NOT want them , didn't want to listen to them, didn't want to have to worry about themselves or their kids getting run down. I suspect that most patong tourists could also do without them just fine.

I am guessing that Maui is a lot less corrupt, have much smarter politicians and care a lot more about their tourists and repeat business than Phuket does

[monkeycountry]

This has been on here before but its a good Phuket vid anyway.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqi07Dc68Lk

One of the youtube comments to the video - notice the date:

"Happened to my wife and myself in Phuket June 2013. Rented a Jet-ski at Patong beach, upon return to shore, the &lt;deleted&gt; operator, just like in this video demanded 30 000 Bath for mysterious damages. He became aggressive and abusive, and threatened to have us jailed, as he is best buddies with the police. These &lt;deleted&gt; are a mafia, and the police is in on it. You will never win. Do not rent any jet-skis in Thailand!!"

Seems to me nothing has been solved, and the Phuket governor's report card saying “Doing much better than before.”, is yet another load of Bullshit

[babyjesus]

As a previous poster said the higher the price, the better. Fewer people will use jetskis.

But have the "damage" scams stopped?

[Paangjang]

As a previous poster said the higher the price, the better. Fewer people will use jetskis.

But have the "damage" scams stopped?

No, see post #24 (June 2013)...

[transam]

Not rent a jet ski still the best way to avoid troubles and to get rid of them.

The operators have asked for help to learn Chinese. They have an endless supply of customers.

Think Chinese understand ATM .

[alfalfa19]

What a bunch of nonsense. The great majority of what this ass clown is saying is a bunch of lies. Is anybody here actually buying this nonsense?

[ableguy]

What a crock of poo, mind blowing tripe.

[RigPig]

And this guy forgot to mention that the salt water does damage the paint on the jet-skis in the amount of about 500 bahts per hour. And the wear on the seats. Oh my...

I ride my Honda Phantom, about 1 to 1.5 hours everyday, and 12 litres will last me about 10 days.

So 12 litres, minimum 10 hours on the roads. Jet-ski, 30 minutes on water.

Additives... If those motors are 2 strokes, they do use more gasoline...

And you admit to having and riding a Honda Phantom