I don't know why its only the jetski guys that are the scammers, maybe because they can get away with it easily: normally no police in the direct vicinity, more isolated than somewhere on the streets, more difficult for the scammed to just walk away?

Just to share with you all, when i was negotiating with the "bad guy" he dare us to go to the local police post which we do not wish to go. In the end they bring us to the local police post where we feel something fishy but in the end we insist to go tourist police and we end up at tourist police and we settled there.

It is strange that the "bad guy" insist to go local police post rather than tourist police. Do they have any connection with them? the rest is up to u all to speculate

Dear ALL who are silly enough to hire a Jet Ski,

Here is my advice and how I used to deal with this scenario and tactics I used to use when encountering this situation when dealing with the Jet Ski mafia on Bangtao Beach when working for the Sheraton, and advice I give to people when I see it happen when I got to Patong beach on my days off.

1) Inspect the jet ski for any damage and point it out before you get on it, if its beat upand scratched and seat ripped and clearly damaged dont even get on it, just wait for the next one to be offered by another operator and only take one that is in pristine condition, if it looks like crap then you are asking for trouble as unless you take photos it will be your word against his that it was not there in the first place, there are lots of operators all in competition you are not limited by choice.

2) Do not feel intimidated, they may be bigger in number than you and covered in tattoos and may look very rough but they will not physically touch you, if they do then you can have them arrested for assault and they know it, they may use threatening language like we know where you stay blah blah blah, but do not let yourself get angry and most of all do not swear this is a sign that they have rattled your cage, the best tactic is to laugh at them, and right off the bat say ok where is your insurance papers and your operator license.

3) If the police are to become involved do not let them call the police as it may not be a fair fight, call 1125 and ask the tourist police to come to the beach where you are and let them speak to the guy to give exact location, DO NOT give them your passport under any circumstances, let them look at it in your hand to verify your identity and show them your visa page, if you let go of it then you are in a weaker position.

4) It is likely the jet ski operator will claim damage and loss of income, in this instance he has to prove that you have signed a document stating you will be held responsible for any damage, check what your signing when you sign the paper to take the jet ski in the first place.

5) If did damage the jet ski because you really did then be honest and pay for your damages, however if it is a chance taker then tell the police that unless they are going to arrest you for something you are going back to your hotel and you would appreciate their protection and ask for a lift back in the police car, if the jet ski owner wishes to pursue his damages claim then you will leave a photocopy of your passport and relevant contact details for him to make a civil claim against you, then all you have to do is make sure you are out of the country before he can do this, once there is a civil claim against you then the police may hold your passport until it is sorted out.

The best tactic is to sort of force the police hand in the fact they cannot arrest you for anything, they are there as negotiators, if it is honestly damage as you bashed into your buddy and crashed then pay up, but if its a scam then ask the police to remove you from the scene and return you to the hotel call your local consulate for assistance especially if you are parted from your passport by anyone, under the pretence of a Thai national behaving threatening towards you i.e. they say "they will come and get you later" or words to that effect.

The easiest way to avoid all this drama is to actually not hire one in the first place, unless you know what you are doing and are trained in its operation its similar to getting onto a 1000cc motorbike with no training and no crash helmet, and water is not soft when you hit it at 40kmph

Hope this helps those who still feel the need to pollute the environment, and risk their own lives and that of the people in the water who you can’t see, oh and lose money to people who will exploit you and your stupidity and ignorance of the law.

Regards

Alan

I don't know about gullible happydays but when the police start threatening you and hold on to your passport then you have no choice but to pay up, Thai' police are as bad as the rip off merchants they support. it's quite simply a corrupt country allowed to play on tourists.

fare enough maybe not gullible,but no need to hand over your passport to anybody,i do not agree with Thai police are bad and rip of merchants,maybe some will take a bribe,and yes most will side with a Thia national over a farang,foreigner,
back to what i say before,use big tour companies for tours,and hire cars from hire companies like budget,get insurance,and keep away from any body that hires out anything from the road side,
JONRICH HAVE YOU HAD SOME SORT OF RUN IN WITH THE THAI OLD BILL

Well said Alan.There are plenty more things to do in that wonderful part of the world than get ripped off and then stressed out over a jet ski.
Thank you for your valueable advice.

too true, we just got back and had an awful time with the Jet Ski mob, my children were terrified........the police said it's so common....as a travel agent I will definately make sure non of my clients hire Jet Ski's then maybe they will all go out of business.

This happened on our first day and gave a bad taste...I feel for the Thai people as some tourists maybe feel ripped off by Thai's when these thugs are a minority.......

While I agree with all said above about the Jetski's I have to say that we have obviously very luck in the past. In the last 5 years that we have been going to Phuket and about 7 or 8 visits by my friends and their Teenage children, we have not had any problems with the Jetski guys on the beach. My friend has just returned after spending a week there and her kids would have used them everyday. In 2007 we took 3 teenage boys who also rode jetskis every day.
Maybe we are luck as it would seem or maybe some of the operators are "nicer" than others. We stay at Patong Bay Garden and use the operators that are set up in front of it.
But if you are too use be very careful.

Michelle

i never hire anything,but that apart,i can see why these people who hire jet skies to get angry at tourist who hire them,i sit and watch them,trying to get the the tourist back to shore when there time is up,there running up and down waving there arms,it must anger them,care and understanding is needed on both sides,

Not worth the hassle if it can end up ruining your holiday. I know they can be fun but in Phuket you are not in charge and can be easily exploited by the jet ski operators if a scenario comes along where they can.

But a holiday is a holiday and it is about having fun so think it through and weigh up up the pros & cons before making up your mind...Ronnie.