Phuket beach blitz nets illegal jet-skis, drug user at Patong
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: Police apprehended one jet-ski rental operator for testing positive for drugs at Patong Beach yesterday afternoon.

Officers from the Phuket Marine Police also seized two jet-skis being rented out to tourists with expired registrations.

The officers arrived unannounced at the popular beach to “pee-test” 15 jet-ski rental operators and speedboat staff operating at the beach.

“One of the 15 men, Wutthipong Thepwongsa, tested positive for drugs and was handed over to Patong Police for further investigation,” Lt Col Chatchai Sakdee of the Phuket Marine Police told the Phuket Gazette.

The Marine Police also handed over to the Patong Police Narong Youyen, the jet-ski operator found renting illegal jet-skis to tourists.

“The highest penalty for operating an illegal jet-ski is a 10,000-baht fine,” Col Chatchai told the Gazette today.

He added that yesterday’s exercise was the fourth such raid this month.

“One of the raids this month was at Kata Beach and the other three, including this one, were at Patong Beach,” Col Chatchai said.

Further raids will be conducted at other beaches where jet-ski operators work, he added, naming Patong, Kata, Karon, Bang Tao, Kamala and Koh Naka off the east coast of Phuket as key areas of interest.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-beach-blitz-nets-illegal-jet-skis-drug-user-at-Patong-22211.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-09-10

One of the 15 men, Wutthipong Thepwongsa, tested positive for drugs and was handed over to Patong Police for further investigation

I think there is a typo in there. Should say "for further extortion".

Good job by police. Never thought I would see the day.

"The highest penalty for operating an illegal jet-ski is a 10,000-baht fine," Col Chatchai told the Gazette today.

Not even one scams-worth.

Ahh, jet skis, what should be an industry that is fairly innocuous has become, in Thailand, the source of news stories that never stops giving. It truly is quite remarkable.

Stable, horse, bolted comes to mind.

Ahh, jet skis, what should be an industry that is fairly innocuous has become, in Thailand, the source of news stories that never stops giving. It truly is quite remarkable.

Indeed, but it also shows the innate ability of Thais to extract the greatest amount of money from unsuspecting foreigners.

Should all be shut down to be honest, but well done for doing something !

10,000 baht fee ????????? with such ridiculous amount , those people can continue their "monkey business" ..... let them pay 100,000 and then let see ...

10000 B is definitely not enough, they are doing that in 2h30 with only one machine!! They should be banned anyway.

"The highest penalty for operating an illegal jet-ski is a 10,000-baht fine," Col Chatchai told the Gazette today.

Not even one scams-worth.

c'mon someone has to take the fall so they can say it has all been cleaned up. They got Mr Big what more do you want?

"The highest penalty for operating an illegal jet-ski is a 10,000-baht fine," Col Chatchai told the Gazette today.

Not even one scams-worth.

You got the words right out of my mouth, that fine from the police, will be paid by the next farang, who did not damaged the jet-ski.

Ahh, jet skis, what should be an industry that is fairly innocuous has become, in Thailand, the source of news stories that never stops giving. It truly is quite remarkable.

Indeed, but it also shows the innate ability of Thais to extract the greatest amount of money from unsuspecting foreigners.

'extract'?

Don't you mean 'extort'? Get it right!

tested positive for drugs? which drugs would that be then? alcohol? coffee?

"The highest penalty for operating an illegal jet-ski is a 10,000-baht fine," Col Chatchai told the Gazette today.

Not even one scams-worth.

c'mon someone has to take the fall so they can say it has all been cleaned up. They got Mr Big what more do you want?

How do you know he was "Mr. Big". Did you see him take the pee test?

This come on the anniversary of J.J being arrested on the 9th Sept 2009 and then the other guy on the 13 Sept 2011. I believe J.J is back in operation. Sounds like a annual sugar coating event.

"The highest penalty for operating an illegal jet-ski is a 10,000-baht fine," Col Chatchai told the Gazette today.

Not even one scams-worth.

c'mon someone has to take the fall so they can say it has all been cleaned up. They got Mr Big what more do you want?

How do you know he was "Mr. Big". Did you see him take the pee test?

Ah no

tested positive for drugs? which drugs would that be then? alcohol? coffee?

I was thinking similarly. The writer should have mentioned which drug. Not doing so is extremely lazy and ignorant reporting, as not all drugs are equally bad.

Good job by police. Never thought I would see the day.

Maybe just maybe illegal jet ski operater not giving kick backs to BIB, they dont seem interested jet ski scams.