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Jet Ski scam in Kamala Beach

Written by Roy

Thursday, 17 January 2008

Whilst in Kamala Beach on 7th Jan 2008, Phuket me and my 2 sons used jet skis. When we returned the Jet Ski guys said one of my sons had damaged one of the skis.

There was a small crack in the fibre glass, hidden underneath the rim of the Jet Ski.

They demanded 86,500 Baht (£1500) to which I refused because my son had not caused the damage and they were asking a ridiculous amount to repair.

After an hour or so I attempted to walk away with my son when one of the Thais grabbed my son by the arm. There were about 30 of these guys in total on the beach so I attempted to keep my cool by not hitting the guy who was holding my son.

I said lets sort this with the police but they would not allow this.

Finally after lengthy negotiation we agreed on 25,000 Baht as I had severe concerns re the safety of my son.

We returned to my hotel where in hindsight I should have called the police to the hotel to settle thing then. By that time I just wanted the thing to be over and was also thinking of further safety as I had 5 more days to spend in the resort.

As such DO NOT USE JET SKIS IN THAILAND, PHUKET, KAMALA BEACH there is a good chance you will be ripped off.

I am amazed that after being hit by the Tsunami these people would be glad that Farangs come back to inject money into their economy, but it seems a few are intent on ripping off the hand that feeds them.

I will never return to Phuket and possibly even Thailand.

Comments (44) Add Comment

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written by Brian, Fri 08 Feb 2008 19:28:53 MST

This scam is very common in Pattaya and Kho Samui, recently some tourists were assaulted on Chaweng beach when they refused to pay the jet ski repair bill scam. Would recomend not to hire jet skis anywhere in Thailand, I also beleive it is illegal in Phuket.

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written by mark, Mon 11 Feb 2008 07:20:50 MST

A friend had this happen in Pattaya too. After arguing for about 30 minutes he lost his cool and started swearing at the Thai guys in Russian (he is westerner with Russian parents) they Thai guys looked shocked and asked "Are you Russian" he said yes and they said "You go, you go and not come back ok?"

The Russian Mafia are pretty heavy in Pattaya and abviously low life Thais were scared in case he was connected.

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written by Jane - Brighton, Sun 17 Feb 2008 14:13:00 MST

I was in Jomtien beach using a jetski, when I finished the jet ski owner showed me a small scratch and told me I had to pay 20 thousand baht, I asked for the police but he refused and started shouting at me, I was very scared and eventually had to pay him, I went to the police after this and they said they could do nothing.

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written by Dave Anderson, Wed 20 Feb 2008 13:42:59 MST

Hello! you paid him 20,000bt, you are joking right?

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written by Jay, Wed 20 Feb 2008 17:39:25 MST

Dave,
This is not a joke site. Stop being smart ass.

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written by Jane - Brighton, Thu 21 Feb 2008 12:36:40 MST

Thanks for your support Jay, people like Dave should not comment on others misfortune, the whole jet ski incident let me deply upset and scared, so much so I never went to the beach there again.

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written by Dave Anderson, Sat 23 Feb 2008 16:33:30 MST

Jay, don't be rude?

Jane, I commented because I thought maybe you had added an extra 0 by mistake, I'm so shocked that you were intmidated into paying this scam artist $600 for a small scratch!

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written by Dave Anderson, Sat 23 Feb 2008 16:43:37 MST

Jay and Jane, if you look at what I've written on the other scam threads you'll realise I'm neither a smart ass or bast...

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written by Muki, Sun 24 Feb 2008 02:06:07 MST

It's when I read articles like this that I'm glad that I'm Thai myself as I don't get approached for scams. At the same time I feel ashamed that my birth country has people that do these things.

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written by Jay, Sun 24 Feb 2008 13:07:54 MST

Dave,
Sorry for misunderstanding you. My bad.

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written by Dave Anderson, Sun 24 Feb 2008 15:00:48 MST

Jay, apology accepted.

Muki, it happens all over the world, not just in Thailand!

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written by Frank, Wed 27 Feb 2008 17:59:49 MST

My friend and I was in Phuket (Tri Trang Beach) in November 2007 and hired 2 jetski's for a 20 minute ride.. Accidentaly we bumped into eachother and both jetski's got minor damages.. (a torn rubber "bumper" on my friends' jetski and a small crack in the fiberglass on the side of mine..) We both new this was going to be expensive so we decided on an amount between the two of us before we went back to the shore.. Of course the owners of the 2 jetski came running and waving their hands, shaking their heads etc... And after a short consultation between the 2 owners and 4-5 other thai-locals they tried to seperate us and negotiate a price for the damages.. The first wanted THB 95000,- (total) for the "scratches"!! We refused and came with a counter-offer, a lot lower of course.. THB 10000,- (total)! This bargaining kept going for almost an hour, and the owners (plus a heird of other locals) got angrier each time we gave them a new "deal"... Anyways, we ended up paying THB 26000,- total.. Still way to much! Later, as we got back home (to Norway) we talked to others who had experienced almost the same kind of situation.. They had refused all claims and threathened to call the Tourist-police.. They said they had never seen so many Thai's flee the "scene of an accident"!!! So, my advise; NEVER give in to their claims before having brought up the police, to see how they react..

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written by paul - chomburi, Wed 05 Mar 2008 14:34:32 MST

This is one of the most common "beach scams" in Thailand. Unfortunately, bringing the police into the picture will probably not help you. Thai Police officers are notoriously corrupt and will gladly support the jet-ski scammer, knowing that a hefty chuck of the extorted money will end up in his or her pocket.

I would love it if everybody on the planet knew about this scam and gave the jet-ski rental people no more business. It's incredibly difficult to teach Thais about good business practice and honesty, but if all foreigners stopped giving them business and made the reason known ("Because 99% of you are dishonest.") they might start to catch on that we're not a bunch of idiots. (Actually, I think it's Thai people's assumption that foreigners are as dense as they are that bothers me the most.)

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written by Anna - Brighton, Sat 08 Mar 2008 17:42:52 MST

I have just come from Thailand, both in Pattaya and Phuket, I was asked for money to repair damaged jet skis, the damaged looked about 4 years old, Phuket jet ski operator asked for 80 thousand baht, I said no and he started to get abusive, I called my hotel who sent the tourist police. Eventually I gave them nothing and walked away.

In Jomtien the operator asked me for 20 thousand baht, again I needed to get assistance from Police, but they were no help. Both the operators thought I was a stubid woman, but they got nothing from me. I am now writing to all tour companies in UK to warn their customers to avoid jet ski operators in Thailand. I have now read articles where recently in Kho Samui tourists were attacked by Jet ski operators. It is not acceptable. I hope this tale of woe helps other persons traveling to these areas.

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written by sam, Thu 13 Mar 2008 23:59:11 MDT

Let me give you my advise people! Before you rent the jet ski besure to check any damage before you go out the water; let them know right away any scracht at all than make the agreement. Voila!

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written by Dave Anderson, Fri 14 Mar 2008 17:24:46 MDT

Sam, are you talking from experience? I'm afraid you don't know the Thai ways my friend, if you were to point out any scratches or damage to the jet ski beforehand this will only make the scamming toe rag even more determined to extract money from you! Why I hear you ask, because you have made these shoot themselves in the foot thiefs LOSE FACE, thats why.

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written by John - London, Sat 15 Mar 2008 11:50:03 MDT

Sam you are absolutely right, I stay in Thailand and there is no reason a Thai would lose face, if you like even take photos of the jet ski, if it is an honest jet ski operator he wont mind. So Dave my friend I think it is you who do not know the Thai ways.

But I would advise evryone to just not rent a jet ski.

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written by karl, Sat 15 Mar 2008 16:05:12 MDT

My wife and I recently went to Ko Pha Ngan Thailand and jet skiied for 30 minutes. During the ride, my wifes jet ski nudged mine and put a small crack on the side. The owners wanted 70,000 bht. I insisted a police officer come to sort the problem out-- bad idea. This chump had no badge but carried a gun, so what the hell were we to do but pay? He lowered the sum to 60,000bht, so we ended up paying roughly $2000USD to Coral Bungalows Suratthani. How much did the damage really cost? Who knows, but I doubt it was $2K. Supposedly the cost included 2 days of lost rental, transport to Pattaya (officer claims this is the only place in Thailand that repairs jetskis) and repair of the crack and repair of the other jetski, if any damages were present. This part angered me most of all-- They assumed the other jetski was damaged and therefore came up with an arbitrary number to charge me. It was a terrible experience. Don't rent jet skis in Thailand. It's not worth it!

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written by baz, Sat 15 Mar 2008 17:07:20 MDT

I dont see that checking a jet ski before u get on would make the Thai lose face.Explain please

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written by Brian, Sat 15 Mar 2008 20:29:54 MDT

Dave, please explain why the Thais would lose face?? maybe you have been drinking too much singha

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written by Paul, Tue 18 Mar 2008 02:40:51 MDT

I'm glad I came across this website... my girlfriend and I are going to Thailand at the end of March (5 nights in Bangkok and 8 nights in Phuket) I love to jet ski and was considering renting one during my vacation. After reading all your stories, I think I'll have to pass on the jet ski idea (even though I'm Russian). Thanks for the heads up.
If anyone has any suggestions on things to do in Bangkok or Phuket, something that I might not easily find in a book or on the web, please let me know.

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written by BUCKY, Tue 18 Mar 2008 08:52:21 MDT

Why did you guys bring 20,000baht - 80,000baht to the beach? I'll probably tell those people I don't have that much money on me and my money is in the hotel so if they allow, they'll accompany me back to the hotel to get the money. Then I'll ask for help through the Hotel staffs. Not those low-rank bell boys, but at least the receptionist or manager at front desk. But do remember all this while, you should keep your cool and put on a smiling face misleading them that you'll pay. The key here is always "smile"... even when you're about to ambush them back in the hotel with your Russian cousins. Thats the Thai way. :D

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written by BUCKY, Tue 18 Mar 2008 08:53:16 MDT

I was kidding about the last time. The part about the ambush. Smiling works all the time though. :)))))

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written by Agnes - Jeff, Tue 18 Mar 2008 13:54:48 MDT

This is an informative site, we are going to Phuket and Jomtien for 3 weeks. Me or my family will not be renting jet skis, although the kids will be dissapointed. Maybe Thailand should clean up its act, I am kind of nervous about going there now after reading this website.

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written by Michael, Fri 28 Mar 2008 16:51:59 MDT

It doesn't really matter what you rent in Thailand, you will allways be ripped of. Taxirides, housebuilding, jetski, bikes , cars, pushbikes, rooms, whatsorever. The only thing that helps is being married to a local and speek their language. I live here 20 jears and looking at the things you rent and check them and talk to the owner about already done demages and PUT IT ON THE RENTAL-COTRACT. Than, there schould't be a problem. Even if you are not married , or speak the language. Come on guys, just have fun and be SMARTER.

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written by mickey, Wed 02 Apr 2008 20:41:21 MDT

if you are being harrased by anyone in thailand especialy pattaya say you cant speak english, try to learn a few russian words. I come out with odi ebi which means f off in serbo-croat

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written by Per, Wed 02 Apr 2008 21:24:21 MDT

Last week me and my girlfriend rented two jet skis at Kamala Beach, Phuket. We had an accident when we should talk about how long time we had left of the 30 minutes. She got caught by a wave and smashed into my jet ski. I knew that this could get expensive, so I showed the Thai-man the damage and was interested to hear a price from him. I thought it would cost 20000 baht, but he demanded 80000!!! The damage was on the rear side and was NOT big. After several talks with the corrupted tourist police we agreed on 55000 baht, just to get this out of the world. Conclusion have to be not to rent jet skiis in Thailand ever again....

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written by Jake, Thu 03 Apr 2008 14:24:05 MDT

Wow!! How about just avoiding Thailand all together!

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written by Michael, Fri 04 Apr 2008 15:08:30 MDT

No !!! Thailand is beautifull!!! So come and bring us your money! No just kidding. Just write all demages in the contract before you rent something, and check BEFORE!!! The Thais take advantage of first-timers. But they are beautifull people!!! All in all one of the best places to live!!

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written by Wolf, Sun 06 Apr 2008 00:01:46 MDT

I'd call my mother-in-law (Thai) - knowing her, they will end up owing me money :)
Contacts is a useful thing in Thailand - My father-in-law is ex-navy and still puts his old car pass in his windscreen, Thai police ignore him. I also know a major in the Thai police which is helpful too - a quick call, and the BIB (boys in brown - cops) suddenly switch sides!

The best thing is to use your hotel. As someone said, tell them you have all your money and ATM/Credit cards back at the hote and when in the foyer get the manager to help - at least to call the Tourist Police. The Tourist Police are usually quite good and ainti-scammers, unlike seems to be evidnt from the usual BIBs. Always check what you are hiring (bike/ski/car/whatever). Make notes and show them to the vendor. Get him to sign your notes, if he won't, go next door. Don't trust a Thai to transalte it for you unlss you know and trust them (and not for the last 2 hours!). You can roughly sketch it and fill in the prese nt damage. They will assume you are not a newbie, and leave the scam for the next green visitor.

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written by Juan, Tue 15 Apr 2008 17:17:34 MDT

Hi I'm in Karon beach phuket right now and same happen to me , the crack was old and was obiously.
They ask me for 20k bath for repairs , i refuse they got agresive 3 of them aproached me and my gf , one done same as commented above and hold my gf by her arm , didn't doubt it for a second sorry but noone put the hand on my gf , i'm not violent but he got what he was looking for , he got KO thge other 2 run for theyr lives.

Police arrive i stated self defense and told will call embassy if they arrest me , Didn't pay anything and got the jet ski guy arrested for assault , i press chargues.

Don't feel intimidated by this jerks or police you have rights if you have a embassy on that country.

Never accept anything they say , iff police don't help you call your embassy straight away and make sure tourist near the incident give you theyr details in case you need them later in court

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written by vicky, Fri 18 Apr 2008 13:43:38 MDT

you are right these people don't have any shame and i don't understand what they are proud of ?

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written by Chris, Tue 22 Apr 2008 07:20:42 MDT

Hey,
I own a jet ski and it never suprises me how stupid people are with others property. To the people who did not damage them and a scam was attempted I empathize. To the idiots who "bump", "nick", etc..the two jets ski...In an ocean full of open areas you end up banging into eachother?? Your dumbasses and should have been flogged. For every scammer there is a deadbeat tourist with ZERO common sense who damages expensive watersport equipment by his/her own shear stupidity then is angry at the repair prices. Go pound sand you stupid tourists....

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written by Matt / New Zealand, Tue 22 Apr 2008 10:49:25 MDT

Chris you are an absolute goat, you are obviously not experienced or veresed with what this site is about. We are trying to warn people about the scams. So please keep your opinions to yourself and go play on your perfect jet ski.

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written by lew, Fri 25 Apr 2008 09:22:06 MDT

goat ! nob end more like. Chris, i bet your The sort of person to but in on someone else''s conversation without knowing what the hell there talking about. 80000 baht for a scratch. ! you think thats fare do ya and all tourists are stupid and resent paying outrageous damage charges for damage in most cases that wasnt damaged by them atall and like being intimidated and fear for there life at times ! .i for one found this website useful and was thinking of renting a jetski in kho samui. now i think i want to go punch one of the thai gits on the beach a few times and run. i bet they only do the scam to the vunrable looking and not 300lb men ! cowards.

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written by docsmith, Sat 26 Apr 2008 00:40:35 MDT

I travel to Thailand regulary and own a vehicle there. It got damaged in a wind storm and I had to get repaired 2 dents in the bonnet, 4 in the mudguard, 2 in the door and 2 in the c pillar. The repairer also had to paint all the bonnet, guard and door. Total cost 10,000 baht. The repairer told me that work on 2000 baht per area of repair. Any small scratch in a jet ski should cost 2000 baht to repair not 20,000. If you have an accident remember that.

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written by Nio, Mon 05 May 2008 22:08:54 MDT

It's unfortunate that many tourists on their first time to Thailand are caught up in these pathetic low life scams. I have lived here for years and one thing I do is ALWAYS stay away from the heavy populated tourists places. There are tons of beaches and other places in Thailand where you will never run into these types of scams.

The internet is full of research and there are nice beaches, resorts, and holiday fun far away from these hotbeds of scammer activity. I can never understand how so many tourists end up in these spots notorious for crime and scams and have they vacations totally ruined. These scams and crime are well reported in news city and websites all over the internet.

Sorry but these places are not the best beaches or resorts Thailand has to offer, not even close. If I had a travel agent that suggested these places, I would never use them again.

As an ex-pat living here, I hate to see other foreigner ripped off this way. It makes me sick.

Check out http://www.visualthailand.com this is a non-commercialized website where you can get real up to date photos and information to make your Thai holiday the absolute best.

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written by Colleen, Fri 09 May 2008 11:40:41 MDT

We just got back from Thailand and had a great time. We hired a motor bike for a couple of days and all I can say is that we were very well looked after by our security guard at Tri Trang Beach Resort. He checked the bike with us before we paid to make sure it had no damage and then checked it each night when he came on duty to make sure all was well. When the guys came to pick the bike up he again checked it with us to make sure all was well. He asked us for 20baht per day to check the bike which we were happy to pay. If at all possible always have someone check with you before hiring anything and also pay infront of them as well. Never hire a bike off the street, get them to follow you to your resort as we did. Also some hotels can organise a jet ski for you and if at the beach near your resort take the security guard or other hotel worker with you to check. They may ask for a small fee but its worth it. This sort of thing happens in Fiji as well so always have your witts about you no matter where you are or what you are doing that way you can enjoy your holiday and not feel the bitter taste of being ripped off. Hope this helps,

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written by Traveller, Fri 09 May 2008 14:43:41 MDT

Excellent advice Colleeen, Many thanks.

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written by Elnet, Sat 12 Jul 2008 19:08:10 MDT

Maybe Chris is one of the scammers.....

Saw a family rent a jetski, was going to say something but they had their fun and paid without problems. They apparently rented from an outfit with a lot of jetskis which looked legit (numbers on the jetski).

Later, I noticed two young guys rent a couple of jet skis from two rough looking guys. When they returned the jetskis, the vendors went right to the "broken" parts (rubber moulding that they lifted up). I did not think the big Thai who operated the beach chair rental operation was involved, but the vendors called this guy over to "judge" the damage! He was part of the scam! You could see them going back and forth with negotiations with the two guys!

Hit them where it hurts! This rental chair operation and jet ski scam is opposite "Spices" Indian restaurant on Beach Road, Pattaya. The operator is an older Thai or Chinese, with a big head.

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written by scammed tourist, Sat 12 Jul 2008 23:55:17 MDT

Juan,
"hey got agresive 3 of them aproached me and my gf , one done same as commented above and hold my gf by her arm , didn't doubt it for a second sorry but noone put the hand on my gf , i'm not violent but he got what he was looking for , he got KO thge other 2 run for theyr lives."

Lol this is the best post ive seen on here,absolute gold!

Sir,i salute you!

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written by another scammed tourist, Sat 19 Jul 2008 13:35:15 MDT

well, i do not knnow u guys but how much would u pay for a repair about 20 cm wide??

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written by another scammed tourist, Sat 19 Jul 2008 13:42:31 MDT

wow..
the police agreed that 25,000 is a fair price.. do u guys think that its worth that money??

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written by didn't get scammed, Tue 22 Jul 2008 13:29:38 MDT

Me and a mate hired waverunners about 5 years in Patong Beach and didn't get scammed....the guys were cool.

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