I have terrible experience with Jet Ski in Patong beach. That day i rent a 30min Jet Ski at Patong Beach, when i was returning back to shore, my machine break down, no matter how i accelerate the jet just won't go. In the end, a big wave came and i was capsized. The one who rent us the Jet skid, lets call him the "bad Guy", ask me for damages. Guess how much, they demand $65,000 Thai Baht. This include $20,000 repair cost and $45,000 loss in business (opportunity cost).

The Jet engine compartment was soaked with water and one of the Tourist told us that it cannot be worth $65,000 baht. We then cannot agreed with the sum and end up in Tourist Police Center and manage to pay $20,000 Baht. The whole process was with hostile attitude and intimating. We have no choice but to pay for a safe passage.

I here by advice all tourist not to go any of the Jet Skid. My experience is true with no lies. If you all think that water going into engine compartment need $20,000 Baht then i have nothing to say. I appealing to tourist that, do not engage in Jet skid activity by doing me a favor and at the same time protecting your own interest.

Hi Green

Unfortunately this has been a problem for years and the only way to avoid a problem with one of these operators is to avoid them all together. It’s a shame but this is an all too common story about people using jet skis. Unfortunate and expensive lesson learnt I am sure.

Cheers.

It has been said many times before on this forum do not rent Jet Skis as they are dangerous and poluting of the enviroment and this scenario is a common occurance, the authorites are trying to make sure all the operatores are insured which means each time they pull this stunt they will have to submit a claim to the insurance company, I am sure after the 5 time they claim for the same thing they will not be entertained any longer.

Summary

Do Not Rent Jet Skis

Regards

Alan

Agree with the previous 2 posters. If you really do want to rent a jet ski though, make sure you make pictures of the whole jet ski, so you can prove the exact condition it was in before you rented it.

Hi, two weeks ago at lunch with my wife’s uncle and family in OZ.
He starts talking about a terrible experience his Physio had with her husband and son and jet skis in Phuket.
I already knew the answer from this site.
The two skis on the beach were offered for inspection but the one bobbing in the water it was assured was okay.
You can guess the rest.

enjoy

shway

what i always say never rent any thing in Thai you will be held responsible for all damage,and made to pay,

stick to the bigger tour operators every time,

Here on Phuket, there are really no scams like this with cars and motorbikes. So I'd be happy to rent those of the streets, just not jet skis.

steve i do agree with what you say,but its not quite the same when your living in Thai the locals get to know you and you them and gain if you like insider knowledge,but there are some gullible tourist,

"steve i do agree with what you say,but its not quite the same when your living in Thai the locals get to know you and you them and gain if you like insider knowledge,but there are some gullible tourist,"

Since I live here, I don't need to rent a car/motorbike, have my own.

But as a tourist, renting cars/motorbikes from the streets: no problem. Jetskis: big problems.

why it seems its only the jet ski hires that are skammers,