Aus Hon Con in tense talks over Phuket jet-ski incident

[Carrerakiss]

Every country should make it law, for travel agents selling any country with repeated scams.to advise the traveller of the risks and not to get involved in certain kinds of activities, i know every country has a page warning about this and that,but truthfully, not many tourists look at them.

Yep, from the Australian Government travel website http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand

"Australian travellers continue to report harassment and threats of violence by jet ski operators on beaches across Thailand, and particularly in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan."

The warning is there, just need to get people back home to read it before travelling.

Nobody is going to read that. They should give out leaflets to every passenger on every flight to Thailand.

[geovalin]

Larry Cuningham has a spine, unlike the Australian Embassy in Bangkok which are pathetic and run by Thais that side with Thais when there is ever an issue.

M Cuningham is an honorary consul, not a Australian civil servant / diplomat. He's not protected by any law. I'm afraid his visa will not be renewed.

[laurentbkk]

Will we see some BOYCOTT PHUKET as we saw some Boycott Sochi ? I have to congratulate the Hon Con in this mater. Could be an example for the other consuls on the island. Anyway the threat from this lady is absolutely amazing .

[oneday]

I'd consider that text a thinly veiled threat.

Just goes to show the system is rotten all the way to the core.

Sorry, have to disagree. It wasn't even veiled.

He is pushing his luck. Having a business there and being critical of the Mafia. Accidents happen here!

So, so true, but you must applaud him for his bravery in trying to do something.

Stop going to Phuket. Everybody should know this is the status quo.

A consular person being threatened by local government officials. Insane.

Well as far as I'm concerned this article makes it clear the collusion goes all the way to the top of the Phuket government and probably beyond. If anyone thinks the Governor was going to pay the difference then I have a bridge for sale. That was pure BS to make him look good and look as if he is doing something positive when in fact he is in on the whole racket. The police were doing nothing short of creating leverage by keeping this boy's passport to extort as much money as possible from this unfortunate individual. They didn't do it so the operator would be paid fair compensation, but so the operator could extract maximum value and for the police to get their share of the loot.

[rct99q]

But it still seems good old Larry was "Relatively Happy" with the outcome. No problems then.

[chooka]

He is pushing his luck. Having a business there and being critical of the Mafia. Accidents happen here!

Who would be surprised to hear he commits suicide? Good on Larry for speaking out but if I was him I would be getting out of the country quick smart now.

Edited August 31, 2013 by chooka

[DaBloodyMess]

Will we see some BOYCOTT PHUKET as we saw some Boycott Sochi ? I have to congratulate the Hon Con in this mater. Could be an example for the other consuls on the island. Anyway the threat from this lady is absolutely amazing .

It actually wouldn't be too hard for someone with the technical know how to have an Anti-Phuket webpage rank very highly on a google search using some simple SEO techniques. I don't feel the need to personally dissuade people from going, but a boycott campaign will really hit them where it hurts. I am actually surprised it hasn't been done already, given the amount of people who get ripped off there.

Edited August 31, 2013 by DaBloodyMess

[pgrin]

After 5 years living in Phuket I left in 2009. I will never go back. I watched this once awesome place spiral into a s::t hole. After many unpleasant experiences my Thai wife and I were threatened with a machete at 8 o'clock at night on Patak Road in Karon. Our offense? Parking our motorbike on the street next to where Somchai Jackoffaporn decided to set up a roadside bar on the public sidewalk. We left, went home and decided enough was enough and left Phuket for good. I use to snorkel around Kata Noi in the clearest, bluest water, now you have the joy of swimming in raw sewage. I was snorkeling in the roped off area in the south end of Karon beach when a local dude motored right over the no boating rope and nearly ran me over. He pointed a spear gun at me. The locals don't even bother with the pretend smile anymore. You get greeted rudely at the airport, get ripped off by ground transport and this is the highlight of your visit. There are thousands of other beach resorts around the world and we are taking our time to see as many as possible.

[eezergood]

Will we see some BOYCOTT PHUKET as we saw some Boycott Sochi ? I have to congratulate the Hon Con in this mater. Could be an example for the other consuls on the island. Anyway the threat from this lady is absolutely amazing .

It actually wouldn't be too hard for someone with the technical know how to have an Anti-Phuket webpage rank very highly on a google search using some simple SEO techniques. I don't feel the need to personally dissuade people from going, but a boycott campaign will really hit them where it hurts. I am actually surprised it hasn't been done already, given the amount of people who get ripped off there.

Tell me how to do it, I will pay for it!

[edwinchester]

I don't know the Hon Consul concerned, but if he has lived and done business in Thailand as long as he has, he should know that by telling the Thai authorities what to do about jet ski practices, he is on a slippery slope to a sticky end.

Instead of telling Thais what to do, he should focus on his duties of telling Assuies what not to do....renting jet skis being front and centre. That is his job, on an honorary basis anyway.

One of his principle tasks is to liase with Thai authorities and bring to their attention problems if and when they occur. Simply put he was very focussed on his duties and I wish there were many more like him.

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Larry001]

The land of smiles!!!!

[mikebell]

Stop going to Phuket. Everybody should know this is the status quo.

A consular person being threatened by local government officials. Insane.

Agreed. I will never set foot there again and I advise anyone I know against it. Once the Thais have killed (and eaten) the goose that lays the golden egg, things will get better.

I agree with other posters most diplomats are too diplomatic to look after the own nationals in the face of such blatant corruption/intimidation.

All embassies should grow a pair & tell their Thai hosts what to do with their Thainess.

[marell]

The actions of the Governors office seem to suggest that the office is at the least indirectly involved in the jet ski scam.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Mafia-type setups are like any pyramid scheme. Everybody sends money up and everyone gets their portion of the take along the way. Money moves up and patronage flows down. The very top may only end up with a small percentage but the volume makes up for it. From the sound of things the top is becoming concerned about at least one aspect of the pyramid's integrity and is lashing out against 'external' threats. It will be interesting to see if they look for assistance from 'higher' levels. Mr Cunningham's committment is admirable but a phone call to the Australian embassy from the right office and he's history.

Edited August 31, 2013 by marell

[GeorgeO]

I'd consider that text a thinly veiled threat.

Just goes to show the system is rotten all the way to the core.

Nobody who has read this article should have any further question about how the system works in Thailand.

It's right there in a black and white nutshell. - kneel to the phuyai, blame the accuser.

...and the simple answer to all of this is that all governments should issue warnings to travelers not to rent jet skis in Thailand...!

[robblok]

Wow, your Australians really got someone to look out for you. Great guy with a spine and good that he send those messages up. Also great that he got it in the paper. Hope these things get picked up in Australia too and I hope it impacts Phuket. I am pleasantly suprised by this hopefully the official ambassadors will get more tough following his lead. If other countries follow suit and embarrass the Thais more things might change. The Chinese also seem to have a lot of influence.

[Arkady]

Good for the Ozzie consul in refusing to be intimidated by this repulsive gang of thieves all colluding to rip off tourists.

He is actually acting in the best interests of Thailand. Now that the ruling party has botched economic management so badly with unproductive hand outs and growing corruption, the PM is desperation is saying they will have to boost tourism to avert a current account deficit, since exports have slumped. Firing all the corrupt government officials in tourist resorts from the provincial governors down to police station commanders would be a great place to start. But she wants her cake and eat it - allow rip offs, rapes and murders of tourists to go unpunished and hope that bare faced lying will always work to sweep the truth under the carpet and keep the mugs coming.

[deesquared]

Sounds like it's time for Mr Cunningham to be transferred out. He now has an adversarial relationship with the Thai authorities and has become ineffective.

[leewood]

It's very simple - word should be put out there that NOBODY should rent these jet ski's. Come on holiday to enjoy yourself - would you really have had a poor holiday had you gone home having not rented out a jet ski? doubt it.

How's the Phuket taste in your mouth now that this has happened tot eh kid? And what's he gonna do first thing he does when he goes home? Tell everyone his story and damage Phuket even more.

These toe rags need to be put out of business and it's only by stopping renting them that it will happen!

Good luck to mr Cunningham though - he's being very brave here doing his duty but i worry for him because these guys can be dangerous!!

[Just1Voice]

Will we see some BOYCOTT PHUKET as we saw some Boycott Sochi ? I have to congratulate the Hon Con in this mater. Could be an example for the other consuls on the island. Anyway the threat from this lady is absolutely amazing .

It actually wouldn't be too hard for someone with the technical know how to have an Anti-Phuket webpage rank very highly on a google search using some simple SEO techniques. I don't feel the need to personally dissuade people from going, but a boycott campaign will really hit them where it hurts. I am actually surprised it hasn't been done already, given the amount of people who get ripped off there.

Tell me how to do it, I will pay for it!

Actually, you wouldn't even have to set up a web site. You can set up a Facebook account where incidents and photos can be placed. The hard part would then be getting it listed on Google, and other search engines, so that it pops up when anyone does a search. Otherwise, simple enough to do.

1) Purchase, download and install a program that hides your IP address.

2) Set up a new email address to use when setting up the Face Book page, using the IP hiding software.

3) "Share" it with all of your friends, and ask them to also share with all of theirs, and so on.

4) Every time there is an article in regards to scams, attacks, murders, etc, against foreigners by Thai, post it.

I have a feeling it wouldn't take long for it to become "viral" and, of course, the Thai government would be looking for ways to shut it down because it gives Thailand a "bad image". lol

[scorecard]

Seems that Mrs Siriporn is responsible for passport matters only, but in this case she's talking / acting way outside of her role.

[bangkokheat]

i used to love thailand, over the two years i have lived here it has manifested into hatred, i am hoping to be out of here come new year

[dudu]

i used to love thailand, over the two years i have lived here it has manifested into hatred, i am hoping to be out of here come new year

You are easily deterred and 90 percent of the things posted here have probably never affected you, Thailand is a big place, where do you live to have grown such a hate?

Edited August 31, 2013 by dudu

[Raybo]

The word needs to spread throughout Europe, Australia, and the USA, just don't go to Phuket!

Whatever happened to Thai's saving face?

ChuLai 6768

[Lancelot]

Larry Cuningham has a spine, unlike the Australian Embassy in Bangkok which are pathetic and run by Thais that side with Thais when there is ever an issue.

M Cuningham is an honorary consul, not a Australian civil servant / diplomat. He's not protected by any law. I'm afraid his visa will not be renewed.

We don't know this to be true. Ms Siraporn's comments wwere not well thought out; however, I would think they are not rtepresentative of all Thai officials attitudes. (We live in hope...)

This will Never Stop happening as long as the authority's allow These Thai Thug Mafia Scammers to operate... Never.... They Know that they can and will get away with it.

Phuket, Samui and Pattaya all the same...

So sad....

True but tourists continue to rent jet skis.despite the increased awareness. So, other than superficial "We are on it" press releases from the Thai authorities, why should they change their ways? The money keeps rolling in

Edited August 31, 2013 by Lancelot

[k9guy62]

He did well, but also he did his job so we don't go overboard with praise.

Are there people knowledged about jet skis who know what kind of damage a submerged jet ski incurs? Surely a watercraft like this is designed to withstand a dunking?

There is no damaged caused by submerging a jet ski. It may foul the plugs in which case you remove them, clean them and put them back in. I've seen the jet ski's they use in Phuket and they are all pretty recent models which means that most of those issues have been fixed. Jet ski's are designed to be submerged. I had two early models and that was nearly 10 years ago and I could completely submerge them and as long I kept my hand on the throttle it would not die. If it so happened that it did die, about 90% of the time you could reboard and it would start back up again. If you get water in the engine hold, you simply put the jet ski on the trailer and pull the plug and drain out the water. These guys are simply just shaking folks down. The bottom line is don't rent from these thugs. Unless your stay in a local condo includes watercraft, don't bother renting from the thugs bad, bad, things happen.

[CNXTim]

Two course of action;

1: Since the locals don't give a ratsarse, the central government and TAT should step in or;

2: Leave Phuket to the mugs who think it is an OK place to spend their time and money.

.

I choose 2:

[dudu]

In the end.it has nothing to do with jetskis or scammers,it has to do with enforcing the law...this is something they are not willing to do, even at the top.reminding the consul,that he has a business here and should be more catious with his words, there is no real law and order,end of story, we can discuss this till we are blue in the face, like water off a ducks back and guess what? tomorrow we will have another story to discuss, groundhog day guys....

[Gummigalgen]

Does anybody happens to have the cell.phone nr. of K. Siriporn Tantiphanyatep, the Director of the Phuket Passport Office..............?

I have a sms prepared for her.

[Maggusoil]

Its worth noting over and over that in Thailand it is wise to enjoy the food, the fashion . . and whatever

and keep as low a profile as possible

As noted by many, Mr. Cunningham has stuck his neck out for a fellow Australian, somewhere a man

with his profile could easily be targeted.

[mikemac]

Good for the Ozzie consul in refusing to be intimidated by this repulsive gang of thieves all colluding to rip off tourists.

He is actually acting in the best interests of Thailand. Now that the ruling party has botched economic management so badly with unproductive hand outs and growing corruption, the PM is desperation is saying they will have to boost tourism to avert a current account deficit, since exports have slumped. Firing all the corrupt government officials in tourist resorts from the provincial governors down to police station commanders would be a great place to start. But she wants her cake and eat it - allow rip offs, rapes and murders of tourists to go unpunished and hope that bare faced lying will always work to sweep the truth under the carpet and keep the mugs coming.

Than you Arkady, for a well written comment.

I think the reason I still love Thailand after 8 years here, on and off, is because I have never set foot on Phukhet, Samui or in Pattaya, and avoid Bangkok unless I have to go to the Embassy etc.

Have spent my time in Chiang Rai, 4 years, and now Chiang Mai for the last 4 years, and really don't have too many bad experiences to relate. I am careful when I go out for a beer and avoid Karaoke bars like the plague. Have trouble feeling sorry for anyone ripped off by such well known scumbags such as jet-ski touts etc.

I do like the idea of a website telling overseas visitors of the dangers of local scams, probably the best way to get the message to the masses.

Would have to be set up outside of Thailand, of course, and even then it would eventually be blocked for telling the truth.