Days of Phuket jet-ski extortion 'are over'

[webfact]

Days of Phuket jet-ski extortion 'are over'
Nattapat Tuarob


Seven Smulders, Honorary Consul for the Netherlands.

PHUKET: -- Phuripat Theerakulpisut, director of the Phuket Marine Office announced on Tuesday (April 21) that the days of extortion by jetski operators are over.

“Now there are zero problems from the jet-skis, since we brought in jet-ski management. We have set clear zones for jet-skis on the beaches.”

He was speaking at a meeting between officials and the island’s honorary consuls at the Phuket Garden Hotel.

None of the honorary consuls had reports to deliver of extortion by jet-ski operators, but two voiced concerns about safety.

Seven Smulders, Honorary Consul for the Netherlands said that the B15,000 insurance cover that jet-ski owners must now carry is not high enough to cover all possible costs.

He proposed that tourists should be given the choice of paying more for extra insurance coverage, with the amount being scaled depending on how long they hire a jet-ski for.

Mr Smulders said that since most tourists do not bother to read the conditions in the hire contract, other ways must be devised to solve problems when they arise.

The tourists have to understand the risks of riding a jet-ski, and both they and the operators should understand how much they may have to pay in case of an accident, above and beyond the insurance.

French honorary consul Claude de Crissey, proposed that, apart from buoyancy vests, those using jetskis should be required to wear additional safety equipment such as helmets and gloves.

Mr Phuripat said, “We have four languages in the contract – English, Thai, Russian, and Chinese. But I would like the Honorary Consuls to tell their nationals that this is an ‘exciting’ activity, so they need to be aware and be prepared for the risks.”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/days-of-phuket-jet-ski-extortion-are-over-51992.php

-- Phuket News 2015-04-23

[LivinginKata]

“Now there are zero problems from the jet-skis, since we brought in jet-ski management. We have set clear zones for jet-skis on the beaches.”

Guy is living in a dream world. Jet Ski management ? What !!

[steven100]

Dear Khun Phuripat Theerakulpisut ,

Please send three chinese tourists down the beach and hire 3 jet ski's.

Then see what happens when they return .....

[Bocking]

Now there are ZERO problems from Jest Skis

In other news: Police found Zero drunk drivers during Song Kran and Thailand has discovered the vaccine for Ebola

If you say it loud and often enough, it must be true ?

[Just1Voice]

And next week is scheduled for the lift off of their manned mission to Mars to establish new resorts. Preliminary reports state the first to be constructed will be the Red Sands Inn.

[casindonet]

It's over until the next incident happens.

[monkeycountry]

Maybe the many swimmers who are at risk of getting hit by jetskis could also be issued safety gear such as helmets and wests and of course an insurance in case their head damages the jetski.

[IamNoone88]

The problem is easily resolved. Get rid of the damn things and the people that operate them.

[Brit_Doggie]

There will always be a tomorrow here.

[ezzra]

This should read ' All over Thailand ' and not only in Phuket... than, and only than, your work is done....

[Pattaya28]

Funny thing is they actually believe their own BS

[gemguy]

How about this Idea:

Have several people hired and permanently attached to any Jet Ski operation and video tape them from the time they start to the time they finish...every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week, every month, every year...forever ......if need be.

Low cost video tape monitoring and the means to keep them in check.

However...no matter which way you try to stop or curb the scam it will be corrupted, sooner or later, while the scam will continue.

Cheers

[hansgruber]

I feel like deliberately crashing one and testing his theory.

[shirtless]

Yep problem solved i cannot even consider the problem is solved optimism at its pinnacle. solved my a@@

[Suffinator]

Note there was no mention of the fact that under Thai law no person may operate such a craft without a Thai Captains licence. So effectively the officials allow operators and tourists to break the law ... and yes all to make sure the MONEY keeps on flowing.

I wonder if any Thai official can spell the word ... FARCE

[Paul Henry]

Its a sad day when you admit extortion has been going on in this industry for decades and now the government will wave the magic wand and it will end!

Do the crime do the time.

[Cuchulainn]

the days of extortion by jetski operators are over.

[natway09]

And I do believe that they are serious. 555

[Darbar]

I imagine we'll find out if this has any substance remarkably soon...

[rodknock]

another dog and pony show.

who will get the brown bag to make it go away.

typical Thai. good idea, a lot of talk, but no way to carry it out past a week or two. oh, those brown bags!

[slipperylobster]

All tourists report to 7 Eleven for discounted jet ski ride coupons with every purchase...

[slerickson]

This should read ' All over Thailand ' and not only in Phuket... than, and only than, your work is done....

Never been to Pattaya. I was in Krabi, Koh Jum, and Phi Phi islands for 11 days earlier this month. Never saw a jet ski or anything promoting them. Made me wonder how widely they are used outside of Pattaya

[LivinginKata]

On the other hand - anyone foolish enough to hire a Jet Ski from these beach guys must reap the downside of their decision. I really have no sympathy for those folks who hire a Jet Ski and get scammed for damage.

[BernieOnTour]

... At least in Pattaya, it's still in full swing.

2 weeks ago, I observed some Chinese tourists being scammed for 8000 baht, due to "scratches" on the underwater body.

[Shaunduhpostman]

Wow! Really? No more jet ski extortion?! Just like that, eh?! Well, I suppose that changes my entire holiday plan then! I'm booking my ticket from Farangland and flying 20 hours straight to Phuket tomorrow then!

[lee b]

Well I have to see this for myself , next time im there i will rent one and see if they have turned nice and straight........

[Thailand]

[bendare]

i once came off a jet ski in pattaya in open water causing zero damage, i got back on, finished my 30 mins and when i took it back they demanded money. i said no an they called their police man freind , i ended up paying them both... Mafia

[Somtamnication]

News alert!! News alert!!!

[malco]

jet ski;s will never change their scamming ways.dream on.