The scams are still alive...

[alt]

Just back from a wonderful month holiday in LOS (our 3rd time).

Unfortunately, witnessed some of the usual scams that are still going strong.

Chaweng beach, Samui. A couple head out on the Jetski. Come back and the usual "you broke this". They even had pictures of the damage beforehand, but the 'boss' was having none of it. The guy eventually went off to the ATM and returned with a wad of cash for the 'boss'. Not sure about figures, we just happened to be sitting close-by and could see what was going on.

Ko Tao. Witnessed 2 scooter 'damage' scams. I'll admit to being nosy here. When I saw what was going on, I stopped and pretended to be on my phone. Each occasion, the renter claiming scratches caused. The person who rented the bike clearly showing that the marks were mentioned on the rental sheet/picture, but each occasion the renter was having none of it, and mentioning crazy figures. At that stage, I walked away. (PS. If renting on Ko Tao, Oli's beside the main pier is honest, doesn't take your passport)

That said, on Ko Tao I did witness a guy fall off a bike in Sairee town, causing cuts to himself and a bit of damage to the bike. Be careful out there, folks!

Glad to say, our holiday was very un-eventful, everything went smooth

[fey]

Can't figure out why people pay this.

Its a civil matter, they can take you to court to collect (if your still around)

Confiscated passports get reported to the nearest embassy, and a temporary passport issued.

Of course, if your strong armed its just plain robbery, safest thing to do is pay and report it later.

[SoiBiker]

Was the Grand Palace closed for a Buddhist holiday?

[jadee]

I assumed taking photos beforehand would be a good way to avoid being scammed on jet skis, I guess not. You never know what threats were made against the tourists, though. This has been written about for years, I can't believe people come to Thailand without knowing about the famous jet ski scam. Poor people.

[Thian]

Was the Grand Palace closed for a Buddhist holiday?

Is that man in uniform still at the Grand Palace waiting to open the taxidoor when tourists arrive there and tell them the Palace is closed today?

[ukrules]

These scammers when reported nearly always seem to be located on islands.

Some of these so called 'paradise islands' are lawless and the people there live in a world of their own where they can get away with anything they want.

[SoiBiker]

These scammers when reported nearly always seem to be located on islands.

Some of these so called 'paradise islands' are lawless and the people there live in a world of their own where they can get away with anything they want.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with you there. There are plenty of scams right here in Bangkok. I believe Pattaya has it's fair share, too.

[CharlieH]

I believe almost very tourist destination in the world has some sort of "scam" operating at some level.

[JOC]

I believe almost very tourist destination in the world has some sort of "scam" operating at some level.

Makes us feel so much better.............................

[CharlieH]

Posts removed.

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This seems to be turning into another "Thai Bash" thread and is therefore CLOSED