Phuket jet-ski operators urged to be fair, polite
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Complaints about jet-ski operators filed by tourists holidaying in Phuket has prompted the island’s authorities to launch a two-day seminar aimed at educating the operators about charging fair prices and being polite.

Tourist complaints about jet-skis reached such a level that Qin Jian, Vice Consul of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China, based in Haad Yai, lodged a formal complaint earlier this year, leading to a formal investigation into jet-ski rip-offs by the Tourist Police (story here).

The jet-ski issue was also one of four topics on the agenda of EU Ambassadors when they met with Gov Maitri in June (story here).

In response, Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut yesterday officiated the start of a two-day seminar aimed at encouraging jet-ski operators to provide better service to tourists and to improve safety.

“Tourists filing complaints about jet-ski operators really tarnishes the image of Phuket,” Governor Maitri told the group of about 80 jet-ski operators taking part in the course.

He encouraged the operators to be polite, to charge fair prices and to prioritize safety, and reminded them that the reputation of Phuket was in part their responsibility.

Kathu District Chief Veera Kerdsirimongkol was also present – 170 of Phuket’s 286 registered jet-skis operate from Patong Beach – as were the Director of Marine Office Region 5 and the head of the Phuket branch of the Marine Office, Phuripat Theerakulpisut.

“We called in the jet-ski operators today to remind them to operate according to the law and to follow high standards of service in order to impress tourists so that they come back to visit Phuket again,” Mr Phuripat said.

Though one goal of the seminar was to decrease the number of tourist complaints about jet-ski operators, Gov Maitri noted that there had been only one jet-ski problem reported in the past 10 months, and that had been resolved between the two parties.

In addition to the 170 jet-skis at Patong Beach, there are 40 registered to operate at Bang Tao, 38 at Kata-Karon, 26 at Kamala and 12 on Naka Island, Gov Maitri said.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-jet-ski-operators-urged-to-be-fair-polite-22116.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-08-30

Yes.....that'll stop the rip-offs.

All this could have been avoided long ago.

If only the governor that declared all jet-skis would be banned seven years after the declaration, had made it two years.

This particular governor stated that the seven years was so that the families that operated jet-skis could move into other business.

The fact that he himself would not be around when the enforcement date came due, was just a fortunate coincidence.

Is today 1st April ?

The sorting out of Phuket's problems is getting more surreal with the Alice in Wonderland tactics.

Why don't they call the police in for a seminar on how to deal with dishonest jet ski operators? Teach them what the law is all about. How to be fair to tourists. Much more sensible.

Now I'm going outside to water my plants. You can msg me when you work out the Thai definition of "sensible".

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Yes.....that'll stop the rip-offs.

It just might. If the goverment forces all jetski operators of to participate two day boring seminars, each time there is an incident.

Yes.....that'll stop the rip-offs.

It just might. If the goverment forces all jetski operators of to participate two day boring seminars, each time there is an incident.

Forces them to attend?? It could get rather expensive.

How do you think they got so many of them to go to the seminar in the story?

286 jet ski operators in phuket and only 80 attending the seminar ? WOW ... what a success . They will behave for the next 4 days but bad behavior will continue. They make more money in scams then in renting.....

Is today 1st April ?

Lately, everyday would qualify for that question..

Forces them to attend?? It could get rather expensive.

How do you think they got so many of them to go to the seminar in the story?

Licences and motorbike taxi type of vests for the jetski operators.

If there is an incident. The licence is suspended until the operators on one beach would attend 2 day, very boring event. After couple of incidents the operators would monitor themselves so that they would not need to go to these seminars ever again.

That's mostly a joke, but might bring up some ideas how to push the work of fixing the issues from the goverment to the operators itself.

Forces them to attend?? It could get rather expensive.

How do you think they got so many of them to go to the seminar in the story?

Licences and motorbike taxi type of vests for the jetski operators.

If there is an incident. The licence is suspended until the operators on one beach would attend 2 day, very boring event. After couple of incidents the operators would monitor themselves so that they would not need to go to these seminars ever again.

That's mostly a joke, but might bring up some ideas how to push the work of fixing the issues from the goverment to the operators itself.

It's a great idea in theory, however it won't happen. Too much money being made by many people from these extortionists........... I mean jet ski operators.

So......the punishment for pulling a rip-off worth many tens of thousands of Baht is participation in a seminar?

Hardly a disincentive, is it?

A great job for the most junior member of the "team".

I know it will not happen, at least for now. But who knows, there might be a day ahead when attitude for the corruption and rip-offs will change.

KB: Collective punishment (seminar) for all the operators if one of them fails to play fair. That would be transfering the responsibily of their members actions to all of the operators. First collective mistake would result anger among operators. Second rip-off incident would mean that the person who did the faul play, would have few broken bones. There would not be third incident.

No i think they are starting to realise that tourists are not coming as before. Panic is setting in!

Apparently the talk didn't work. According to a new article in Phuket Wan, Larry Cunningham (Honorary Consul of Australia) went to help with yet another jet ski dispute at Karon Police Station, which had beed resolved before his arrival. While there he received an SMS from the director of the Phuket Office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying: It is not wise for you to say bad things about Phuket while living and doing business here. Brilliant, now Thai officials are trying to intimidate foreign officials... It just gets better everyday!

Apparently the talk didn't work. According to a new article in Phuket Wan, Larry Cunningham (Honorary Consul of Australia) went to help with yet another jet ski dispute at Karon Police Station, which had beed resolved before his arrival. While there he received an SMS from the director of the Phuket Office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying: It is not wise for you to say bad things about Phuket while living and doing business here. Brilliant, now Thai officials are trying to intimidate foreign officials... It just gets better everyday!

Why am I not surprised

Is this Thainess?

Even with the best will in the World, it's real villains the public is confronted by and only a punishment centered approach will work. Confiscate their jet skis, apply the full resources of the law and put them in the slammer!

These criminals will not respond to gentle persuasion. Their needs come along way ahead of Thailand.

And as the Governor tells them they should be "Brand Ambassadors" what do the Jet Ski operators do?....

Phuket Jet Ski Scams Continue and Backed Up by Officials

More polite?

I'm awfully sorry but would you mind giving me 50,000 baht for this preexisting damage or I am afraid I will have to kill you in front of your family. Thank you so much.

With the money that 2 days seminar costs (I am sure there will be free food and drinks), they could help a farang for free in the hospital.

Apparently the talk didn't work. According to a new article in Phuket Wan, Larry Cunningham (Honorary Consul of Australia) went to help with yet another jet ski dispute at Karon Police Station, which had beed resolved before his arrival. While there he received an SMS from the director of the Phuket Office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying: It is not wise for you to say bad things about Phuket while living and doing business here. Brilliant, now Thai officials are trying to intimidate foreign officials... It just gets better everyday!

Again, more happy tourists on Phuket today.

I hope they have some video to upload to You Tube or contact the media in Australia.

Anything to make others aware of the extortion on Phuket.

Why don't they call the police in for a seminar on how to deal with dishonest jet ski operators? Teach them what the law is all about. How to be fair to tourists. Much more sensible.

Now I'm going outside to water my plants. You can msg me when you work out the Thai definition of "sensible".

You'd better stay away from that msg, it's bad for your health.

Yes.....that'll stop the rip-offs.

...and some morons think it already works for 20 years.

This is fine Governance, a great example. These thugs have been pulling guns on victims actually ON the beach (they have been filmed doing so), but the BIG CLEANUP starts with asking them to be polite. You weak impotent good for nothing spineless person, Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut. The start of the problem is YOU.

It will never stop until the corrupt police turn honest and do their damn jobs properly - so in other words it will never ever ever happen !

If they say "Krab" before they beat up a customer, then I think thats about all we can ask for...

Never mind being polite, they should be banned !

Are these guys for real?? why are these things even posted ??? so brainless and still posted !!! OYE!! OYE!!! OYE~!!