Catch and release: Patong illegal jet-ski operators fined and set free
Tanyaluk Sakoot


The police raids netted 28 illegal jet-ski operators in Patong. Photo: Tourist Police

PHUKET: -- A task force of 300 law-enforcement officers under order by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha specifically targeted and arrested 28 illegal jet-ski operators at Patong as part of an anti-crime campaign that has set its sights on criminal activities being “overlooked” by local officials.

Phuket Marine Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut, whose office was left in the dark about the raid, this week was transferred out of Phuket, but the jet-ski operators will face only fines of B500 to B1,000, with only one operator facing a fine of B5,000.

The task force, headed by Pol Maj Gen Adis Ngamchitsuksri, a Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau, targeted the jet-ski operators on the first day of their anti-crime blitz, which also netted several armed suspects at a home of former Rassada Mayor Surathin Lianudom. (See story here.)

Pol Col Archayon Kraithong, a national-level Deputy Commander of the Tourist Police, told The Phuket News that the jet-ski operators

arrested were only one group of at least 60 targets singled out for takedown in a campaign that aims to curtail the illegal antics of any people involved in anything from land encroachment to drugs and weapons to being “influential persons”.

However, Patong was the only beach in Phuket targeted for jet-skis, no other beaches are on their list – for now, Col Archayon said.

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/catch-and-release-patong-illegal-jet-ski-operators-fined-and-set-free-56380.php

-- Phuket News 2016-02-26

Cops just needed some lunch money.

Cops just needed some lunch money.

With those fines I guess they weren't very hungry.

No confiscation of the actual jet-skis .... ??

Just like the fish parks.....Catch em, take a few photos after some gentle fondling and release em for another day or years......

5000 baht fine. Ha. Thats one hour renting out the jetski @1500 baht for 15 mins.

What a joke 500/ 1000 baht fines. Jail them for a month.

Teach them a lesson. You cannot cheat tourists and get away with it.

Sorry i just woke up, i think i was dreaming.

This will not curtail the punks for one second. Guess we know who are the most powerful in Phuket next to the tuk tuk mafia. So sad!

It is reported that the Phuket Marine Office Chief who, allegedly, was one of the main supporters of the "jet ski industry", has been transferred to a land locked province.

Maybe times really are changing ?

It is reported that the Phuket Marine Office Chief who, allegedly, was one of the main supporters of the "jet ski industry", has been transferred to a land locked province.

Maybe times really are changing ?

Finally an optimistic post after all the usual complaints here.

What a joke 500/ 1000 baht fines. Jail them for a month.

Teach them a lesson. You cannot cheat tourists and get away with it.

Sorry i just woke up, i think i was dreaming.

You were because they do get away with it all the time.

I can see why they were overlooked - the police post is about 50 m away and clearly overlooks the operators every day. Nothing like factual reporting.

I'm sure these guys squealed Phuriphat's name and said they were under his protection, hence the transfer. The timing of the raids and the subsequent transfer isn't a coincidence, especially seeing as the guy just got a promotion a few months ago. Good riddance!

It is reported that the Phuket Marine Office Chief who, allegedly, was one of the main supporters of the "jet ski industry", has been transferred to a land locked province.

Maybe times really are changing ?

Finally an optimistic post after all the usual complaints here.

28 illegal jet-ski operators , and you want to stay optimistic ?

The JetSki should be confiscated. That would teach them a lesson and warn others that they could suffer the same loss!

Catch and release sounds more like a fishing competition rules don't smash them over the head with a hammer , would be nice to find a beach in Thailand and not harassed by jet ski owners driving over the heads of the kids and smashing into elderly swimmers who wander outside the marked swimming area that is shared with the jet skis.

Why not demolishing the jet skies and putting operator in the monkey house ?

Ahhh.... no more tea money !

No confiscation of the actual jet-skis .... ??

1,000 baht to 5,000 baht fine? what a joke. Waste of time and manpower. They will be back in business tomorrow bright and early.

why raid the beaches with 300 officers????? why not send them to the Phuket marine chiefs office..that's where the crimes are being committed.

Cheers

happaypattayaman

It is reported that the Phuket Marine Office Chief who, allegedly, was one of the main supporters of the "jet ski industry", has been transferred to a land locked province.

Maybe times really are changing ?

Maybe he will run a few motorbike taxi ranks just to keep ticking over.

The Phuket police is disrespecting Prayuth. Now the illegal activities will continue as usual. They should have confiscated the jet skis and stored them at an army base......far from the sea.

You could be right

The police should be embarrassed to be part of this

Do nothing task force....tomorrow rip-off business as

Usual

That's sweet music to my ears.

It is reported that the Phuket Marine Office Chief who, allegedly, was one of the main supporters of the "jet ski industry", has been transferred to a land locked province.

Maybe times really are changing ?

Finally an optimistic post after all the usual complaints here.

Of course, after so many years of inaction, there should be no reason for complaint. Right?

This criminal is being transferred, not investigated and prosecuted, and sent to gaol.

Where is the deterrent for the incumbent????

So what was actually achieved here for a raid using 300 people? What has changed on the beach today? What is the benefit to ripped-off tourists? S.F.A that is what !!

300 men plus other backup support services how much did that cost the Thai tax payers?. even worse is that the amount in fines would not cover the cost of their fuel to get to the beach and back.

Why were the ski's not conviscated

Law and order is one big joke in Thailand. As on Koh Tao, even murder can be manipulated with the right money.

A Toyota Fortuner costs 1.2 million and a jetski 300,000 baht .

One costs 1,500 baht to rent for a whole DAY , and one costs 1,500 for 30 minutes.

Guess which one is which ?